Reconstruction of Free Trade Hall, Peter Street, Manchester

FREE TRADE HALL TO BE REBUILT WITHIN EXISTING WALLS – The Manchester City Council is to be advised by the Town Hall Committee to sanction a scheme for the complete reconstruction of the Free Trade Hall within the existing walls at an estimated cost of £122,000, instead of proceeding with the scheme for the erection of a temporary building on the present site, designed to last 15 or 20 years. Plans for the new building have been prepared by Mr L C Howitt, the acting City Architect, which provide accommodation for 2,300 people – the number accommodated in the old building. The new building is to be an improvement on the old one, with a modern type of gallery, and will also contain a smaller hall. Mr Howitt has been instructed to consult the Halle Coral Society, the Royal Manchester Institution, and also the War Damages Commissioners, who, it is hoped, will authorise compensation which should form a substantial proportion of the entire cost. [Manchester Guardian 14 February 1946 page 6]

Reference           Manchester Guardian 14 February 1946 page 6