03 MANCHESTER CENTRE OF ATTENTION

The Factory, a Dhs518 million arts centre, will be the first major public building in the UK by Dutch architect Rem Koolhaas and his Office for Metropolitan Architecture practice. Set to be constructed on a former TV studio site, it will feature two adjoining blocks – a rectilinear volume with scooped roof and slatted façade, and a multi-faceted form complete with irregularly shaped balconies. The new venue, which is due to be completed in 2019, will be able to accommodate audiences of up to 7000 and will host dance, theatre, opera, music, visual arts and spoken word events.