Bolton Music and Performing Arts Centre

Following an open competition, ritchie*studio were appointed to deliver RIBA Stage 2 services for Bolton Music and Performing Arts Centre to enable a FHSF bid.

We designed a finely tuned music box with teaching spaces floating above, all wrapped in a protective skin of woven phosphor bronze and stainless steel. It is an elegant spatial idea which is also economic to construct. The overall design of the centre has been driven by the specific acoustic requirements of the various spaces within it. This is a building which has been designed from the inside out. The Main Hall is a highly adaptable, fully accessible, light-filled volume with wonderful acoustics. Our design approach is sustainable, low energy, low cost with low maintenance costs and predominantly dry construction.

This new performance venue is located at a prominent junction in Bolton and is designed to regenerate the local area.