Free Trade Hall (Architectural Competition)

MANCHESTER – It is stated that the land on which the new Free Trade Hall stands, has at length been sold by Mr. Cobden to the company; and that the plans for the new building are to be competed for by Mr E. Walters, Mr J. E. Gregan, Mr E. Solomons, Messrs Travis and Mangnall, and Messrs. Starkie and Co. They are to be ready by 14th December. The second-best competitor is to have £100. The first story is to be an underground cellar with fire-proof ceiling, to be let off: the second is to be a hall, seating 4,000 persons (or standing room for 10,000); and over this a concert-room to seat 600 persons, with ante-rooms, and other apartments. [Builder 19 November 1853 page 704]

Note: Gregan declined the invitation to compete

Reference           Builder 19 November 1853 page 704