A Manchester version of Covent Garden's Royal Opera House (above) has moved a step closer. © Peter Suranyi
The Royal Opera House and Manchester City Council have held "very positive" talks on establishing a £100 million Manchester version of the flagship national opera venue at the city’s Palace Theatre.
Secretary of State Ben Bradshaw hosted a summit between the pair to discuss the plans, which include a "complementary role" for Salford gallery The Lowry, following a feasibility study for the proposed new theatre, ballet and dance centre.
"It is very good that all the parties in this exciting project are working together, with the common aim of delivering world-class cultural facilities for the city of Manchester and the North-West," he said.
"There is still much to do, of course, but this has the potential to be something really special and I am pleased to give it my whole-hearted support."
Doubts were voiced about the scheme in June, when Lowry Trustees Chairman Rod Aldridge said a franchise of the Covent Garden landmark would "destroy" his complex and be "bad for the city, bad for the arts and bad for the taxpayer".
The Lowry Centre in Salford. © Andrew Dunn, andrewdunnphoto.com
An Arts Council report echoed his concerns, warning that the would-be "most significant arts development in this country for a decade" could cause "collateral damage" to existing venues.
The new proposals appear to have heeded the risk and appeased Aldridge, who said the blueprint "recognises the importance of establishing a clear artistic identity for both Royal Opera House Manchester and The Lowry".
"It will build on The Lowry's enviable reputation for ballet and dance with the agreement that The Lowry will regularly present performances by The Royal Ballet, Birmingham Royal Ballet and others," he added.
"We are mindful of the need for new funding for the scheme, and look forward to participating in those discussions."
Sir Richard Leese, Leader of Manchester City Council, said ROHM would be a production base, home for Manchester International Festival and centre for creative skills and training.
"Creating Royal Opera House Manchester will consolidate the Manchester city region's position as a leading creative economy," he predicted.
"It will also create a significant number of local jobs."
