Maxwell Hall Redevelopment

Maxwell Hall at Salford University is being redeveloped. Built in 1960, historically the hall has been a successful rock and pop venue, although it is mainly used for lectures today. The redevelopment of the hall will re-establish Maxwell hall as a state-of-the-art international music venue. It will be a landmark on the Crescent of the River Irwell and create a new front door to Salford University. Adjacent to the listed Salford Museum and Art Gallery and the Peel Building, the new façade will complete the third side of the green Quad which forms the public frontage to the University. By retaining the hall, we will preserve and recognise the cultural contribution the hall has made over the last 50 years. It has hosted a huge range of acts including Blondie, Paul McCartney, the Smiths, New Order, Pulp and The Charlatans. The aim is to attract acts of that calibre in the future, putting Salford back on the music venue map. The existing hall structure is retained but increased in height to increase the internal volume and improve the acoustics within the space. New built space is to be added around the hall to provide much needed foyer and circulation space, breakout rooms, backstage accommodation and bars and kitchens. The hall will be able to stage events for audiences ranging from 900 people seated to 2,000 standing in the reconfigured flexible auditorium. The acoustics are being developed to create a unique room which is dedicated to electronic music of all kinds and will feature an electro acoustic enhancement system. The new building will also provide a focal point for the University’s Conferences. A second smaller space will provide a venue for student union gigs and other gatherings. The original building and the new accommodation are clearly and legibly articulated. The red brick envelope of the existing hall is over clad to acoustically and thermally insulate it with the ‘existing’ auditorium box clearly visible within the glazed foyer which wraps the hall on four sides. The foyer is cantilevered out from the existing frame and creates a welcoming entrance off the A6. The hall will be conditioned with all surrounding spaces naturally ventilated in this highly sustainable development.