The Lowry

What?

• Built in the heart of the redeveloped docklands area known as Salford Quays, The Lowry brings together a wide variety of performing and visual arts under one roof. The building houses two theatres, exhibition galleries, restaurant, cafes, bars and gift shops, as well as conference facilities
• The Lowry was conceived as part of a major urban regeneration programme, breathing new life into the area following the closure of the docks in 1982
• The Lowry Project now includes the Digital World Centre, the Plaza, access routes, transport infrastructure and a lifting footbridge across the Manchester Ship Canal. This links The Lowry to Trafford Wharfside, providing easy access from Manchester United Football Club and the Imperial War Museum North
• The Lowry delivers over 1000 participatory activities every year, ranging from workshops and drop in sessions to summer schools and master classes

When?

• The Lowry building opened on April 28 2000 with a special community festival. During the first 12 months it was visited by over one million people

How?

• Having proposed a new arts centre, Salford City Council commissioned the internationally famous architects James Stirling and Michael Wilford to produce the designs. Sadly, James Stirling died in 1992. Michael Wilford was confirmed as the sole architect, and building began in April 1997
• Lottery funding accounted for 70% of the total cost of the project, with further funding from the Heritage Lottery fund, the Millennium Commission, the European Regional Development Fund, English Partnerships, Salford City Council, Trafford Park Development Corporation, EDS, Northwest Regional Development Agency and other private and public sector sources

Summary