Gig venue could make way for student flats
SOUND CONTROL BOSS LOOKING TO MOVE AS PLAN GOES IN FOR 35-STOREY TOWER
LEGENDARY music venue Sound Control could be demolished to make way for a huge block of student flats.
Developers want to bulldoze the popular city centre nightclub and build a 35-storey tower.
Sound Control bosses say they’re looking for a ‘bigger and better’ venue to relocate to.
Andrew O’Dwyer, who runs the New Wakefield Street nightspot, said he has been working closely with developers Unite Students on the plans.
He insisted it will not be the end for Sound control, and that it will continue at another city centre site.
Unite Students want to build the student accommodation at the site off Oxford Road, close to Manchester’s two universities.
The enormous block has been designed by renowned architect Ian Simpson.
His firm Simpson Haugh designed the Beetham Tower and other towers in Manchester.
If the plans are approved, the building which houses Sound Control and an empty neighbouring site will be demolished.
Sound Control used to be a music shop of the same name, and was transformed into a live music venue eight years ago. Since then the three-storey, 500-capacity nightspot has hosted a wide range of live music and club nights.
Mr O’Dwyer said that if plans are approved by the town hall, the venue will close next February.
He has sites in mind for a new venue, which he says will hold 1,200 people. It could open as early as next March.
Gigs and club nights at Sound Control will go ahead as advertised till then.
Mr O’Dwyer said: “We have got a number of different sites in mind, but there is one I prefer. I don’t think we will go back to the same area. What I’m looking to do is find a bigger venue.
“I want to create something bigger and better. That will enable us to attract some of the more established acts that go to the Ritz or the Albert Hall.”
Mr O’Dwyer said Sound Control is likely to move even if the tower block plans are rejected.
Developers say the proposed student flats would create a new ‘landmark building’ in the city centre.
They plan is for five to 10 bed ‘clusters’ with shared kitchen facilities. Studio flats will also be included.
The ground floors are earmarked for commercial use and officers.
Unite Students said: “The proposed development will provide much needed student accommodation for Manchester.
“It will provide many benefits for the local area, supporting leisure, tourism and businesses in the city centre.
“The development will also provide a landmark building in an area of Manchester that is currently undergoing significant regeneration.”
A planning application is due to be tabled in the coming weeks. To comment on the plans, visit newwakefieldstreet.co. uk.