Proposals for a new arts and leisure cultural destination at the 20-acre First Street site, the single largest undeveloped site in Manchester city centre, have been approved by Manchester City Council.
They include a home for the recently-merged Cornerhouse and Library Theatre Company, a new 4-star hotel, retail, leisure, food and beverage outlets, and a 700 space multi-storey car park.
As well as being a special addition to Manchester's cultural life, the new arts centre will be a powerful catalyst for the next phase of First Street and its wider neighbourhood around Whitworth Street West.
The new venue will have a 500-seat theatre, a 150-seat second theatre space, gallery space, up to five cinema screens, learning spaces, digital and broadcast production facilities, a café bar, restaurant and workshop spaces.