It has been confirmed in local and national press releases that The Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester has been allocated £2.8 million by the Higher Education Funding Council for England to significantly redevelop its performance facilities.

Project

The grant will be part of a major £6 million project that will start in January 2014 – work that also confirms that as a result the RNCM Festival of Brass and the National Youth Championships will have to find alternative accommodation.

However, it is hoped the redevelopment project will be completed by the end of 2014 at the latest.

Plans

The plans include a complete overhaul of the RNCM Concert Hall, including increased audience capacity, whilst backstage facilities will also see significant improvement.

We are delighted to receive this funding...which will prove invaluable as the College looks to further improve its teaching and performance spacesRNCM Principal, Professor Linda Merrick

Prove invaluable

RNCM Principal, Professor Linda Merrick is reported as stating: "We are delighted to receive this funding from HEFCE’s Catalyst Fund, which will prove invaluable as the College looks to further improve its teaching and performance spaces."