Stephenson Studio were selected as winners of the competition

The Stephenson Studio team was selected from a five strong shortlist that also included (in alphabetical order of design team lead): Caruso St John Architects; Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios; Flanagan Lawrence and Jamie Fobert Architects.

The Judging Panel which evaluated the design submissions consisted of the Hallé’s Chief Executive, members of its Board, together with Mike Oglesby CBE DL (Retired Chairman and CEO, Bruntwood), Sir Jeremy Dixon (acting as the RIBA Architect Adviser) and Niall McLaughlin (Niall McLaughlin Architects).

In selecting the winner, the Panel reflected on the Hallé’s ambition for the new extension to provide a noteworthy addition to the architectural heritage of the former cotton mill area of the city; an appropriate adjunct to the existing building’s ecclesiastical architecture; help in consolidating the adjacent Cutting Room Square and a refreshing rather than derivative approach to embody the ethos of the Hallé as an organisation.

The Hallé ranks among the UK’s top symphonic ensembles, with a distinguished history of acclaimed performances in the UK and around the world; award-winning recordings, radio broadcasts and educational outreach programmes; and a visionary commitment to building audiences and developing orchestral repertoire. 

"We are delighted to be working with Stephenson Studio on this project in an iconic part of new Manchester. We look forward to the development of a building that will provide inspiration for generations of the City’s musicians and a focus for our community and Education programme."

John Summers, Hallé Chief Executive

Awards
RIBA North West Award 2021
RIBA North West Sustainability Award 2021
RIBA National Award 2021