How two key projects are building social value in Manchester

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Manchester's historic Town Hall building is being repaired and is just component of a council's bid to create social value.

The building works restoring and refurbishing the Grade I-listed Victorian landmark to safeguard it and ensure it can be accessed and enjoyed for generations to come.  

The Factory will be a remarkable new cultural venue. It is aiming to become one of the biggest, most ambitious and most versatile cultural spaces being built anywhere in the world.

The Town Hall

But while the projects are very different in nature what they have in common is Manchester Council’s determination to ensure that the money invested in delivering them is also invested in supporting Manchester people and businesses.  

Up to the end of June 2021, more than half of the spending on the 'Our Town Hall' project – 58% - was with Manchester businesses and more than a third of the workforce – 34% - are Manchester residents. 

Over 100 jobs have been created across the project teams, with more than 50% of them going to those who live in Manchester. In addition many new apprenticeships have been created with 32 of them going to people who live in Manchester.  

There have been 81 work placements for Manchester people, including care leavers, and 95 sessions delivered at schools to inspire children to pursue careers in the construction industry and encourage STEM subjects. 

Over 1,500 students in Manchester have benefitted from site visits, engagement at careers fairs or mentoring. Some 16 research projects based on the town hall have been completed, including work with the Manchester School of Architecture.  

Contractors have given 3,600 hours of volunteering time to causes including work with Manchester homelessness charity Barnabus and support with getting food parcels to people who were struggling during the Covid-19 pandemic.  

The combined value of this ‘social value’ generated so far is estimated to be around £5m - over the life of the project, which is due to conclude in 2024, this is projected to be £16.5m of extra benefit for the city.  

Town Hall throughout history

Throughout the history of our great city, The Town Hall has become the home for some key moments and celebrations. 

The history of this iconic has also included some football celebrations. Check out these pictures from the early 1900s.

The Factory

Once The Factory is open, the provision of training and skills for future generations of creative talent through The Factory Academy is central to its mission. 

Over the next five years The Academy’s 'Factory Futures' programme will reach around 10,000 young people across Manchester with support in accessing careers across creative industries.

The Deputy Council Leader, Cllr Bev Craig,  has added: 

“We are investing in projects which help make Manchester a world class city and have enduring benefits for Mancunians, both as places of inspiration and visitor attractions which support the economy.  

“But we are also committed to ensuring the money invested does more. Every project we sign off has to have a social value legacy. Over the last decade Manchester has been leading the way, as part of the community wealth building movement, in making sure spending is with local businesses and creates new jobs and opportunities for the city’s people.  

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