BRIDGE WATER HALL
The construction of The Bridgewater Hall was funded in partnership by Manchester City Council and Manchester Development Corporation with assistance from the European Regional Development Fund.
Construction of The Bridgewater Hall commenced on 22 March 1993, but the idea of a new concert hall for Manchester dates back to the reconstruction of the Free Trade Hall in the 1950s after wartime bomb damage.
A former bus station and car park was identified as the site for the new building, close to G-Mex (now Manchester Central) exhibition centre and in 1989 a competition was held to choose the architects of Manchester's proposed new landmark concert hall. The winners were Renton Howard Wood Levin (RHWL), renowned for their experience in the performing arts sector.
The design of the building was strongly informed by acoustic considerations and the input of Manchester's musical organisations; a large part of the building's success is due to the real creative collaboration between the architects and Arup Acoustics. After many revisions of the plans, the three and a half year construction project began in 1993.
One of the most fascinating aspects of the Hall's construction is that the entire structure floats free of the ground on almost three hundred, earthquake-proof isolation bearings or giant springs, so there is no rigid connection between the 22,500 ton building and its foundations. This ensures the Hall's carefully designed acoustic is protected from all outside noise and vibration. The Bridgewater Hall auditorium seats nearly 2400 people, but is surprisingly warm and intimate for a venue of its size.
The Bridgewater Hall held its first concert on 11 September 1996 and was officially opened by Her Majesty The Queen, accompanied by His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh, on Wednesday, 4 December that year. With the opening of this magnificent venue, Manchester's civic and cultural history entered a dramatic new phase. For over 150 years, the city had an unrivalled tradition of fine civic building, of architectural and artistic patronage and of amateur and world-class professional music-making. The Bridgewater Hall continues and consolidates these traditions, as well as being a prestigious flagship for Manchester's overall regeneration and a symbol of its artistic health and enterprise.
FINDING THE VENUE
The Bridgewater Hall is conveniently located in the heart of Manchester with excellent transport links to the rest of the UK and internationally.
ADDRESS
The Bridgewater Hall
Lower Mosley Street
Manchester
M2 3WS
RAILWAY STATIONS
The nearest station is Manchester Piccadilly Station, providing excellent high speed transport links from London (two hours) and to the rest of the UK. The station is approximately ten minutes walk from the venue, and a taxi rank is clearly sign-posted within the station. Click here to visit the station website.
BUS AND TRAM SERVICES
Metrolink tram passengers should alight at St Peter's Square. Discounted Metrolink vouchers are available to purchase from the Box Office or online when you buy your concert tickets. The discounted fare is £3.00 adult and £1.50 child; vouchers are valid for unlimited travel from any Metrolink stop after 9.30am.
The nearest bus stops for major routes into the city centre are St Peter's Square, Portland Street or Deansgate.
AIRPORTS
Manchester International Airport is easily accessible from The Bridgewater Hall, with regular fast trains to Manchester Piccadilly Station or by taxi. Flights from London and Goa also fly direct to Manchester. Click here to visit the Manchester Airport website.
MAP
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