Local architect nabs Manchester concert hall

Local practice Stephenson Studio has seen off national rivals including Caruso St John and Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios for a job to extend the world-famous Hallé concert hall in Manchester.

The RIBA-run competition was launched last September with five teams eventually being shortlisted for the work to expand the Hallé St Peter’s Building in Ancoats by turning a grade II-listed former church building into rehearsal, performance, education and ancillary space.

The remaining teams who made the shortlist were Flanagan Lawrence and Jamie Fobert Architects.

The extension will run across nearly 1,500sq m and is the second phase of work at the venue which was built in 1859. Each shortlisted practice received £6,000.

The judging panel included Jeremy Dixon and Niall McLaughlin.