Aviva Studios, UK

Aviva Studios is a pioneering venue that complements Manchester’s cultural heritage and boosts the local economy, supporting new jobs and offering a new unique attraction for public visitors.

A versatile performance venue for Manchester 

Aviva Studios, home to the cultural venue Factory International, is a versatile space designed for performances. Its flexible areas can host everything from intimate theatre shows to large-scale multimedia performances.  

Inspired by the city's innovative history, Aviva Studios will premiere groundbreaking work by global artists, before they commence touring worldwide. The facility includes a 21-meter-high warehouse, accommodating up to 5,000 standing guests, and a flexible hall which holds up to 2,000. 

Aviva Studios’ design prioritises acoustic excellence. Two first-of-their-kind moveable acoustic folding walls were created to improve the adaptability of the venue, which divide the warehouse space for simultaneous events, but also serve as sound absorption fields when the area transforms into a grand music hall.  

Leveraging cost and commercial management expertise 

We were initially appointed by Manchester City Council to undertake a cost and commercial review and cost improvement of the project in 2020, followed by an expanded remit to provide cost and commercial management capabilities, project management support and advisory services. 

We leveraged our UK-wide cost and commercial management expertise from our Scotland, Leeds and Manchester regions to resource the project quickly and efficiently. The use of digital platforms were key to effective collaboration and a seamless and fully-integrated project team. 

Sustainable costs for a sustainable venue 

The design of the studios sought to integrate acoustic excellence and energy efficiency to contribute to Manchester City Council’s sustainability goals and achieve a BREEAM ‘very good’ rating. The building fabric, designed for sound insulation, ensures a quiet environment while minimising heat loss during colder months, reducing fuel usage and resulting in carbon reductions.  

Cutting-edge glazing floods the interior with natural light, reducing reliance on artificial lighting and energy. A state-of-the-art fresh-air ventilation system closely monitors the air quality in the building and adapts levels based on occupancy, while minimising energy consumption without hindering user comfort. 

Despite overall cost challenges, we worked collaboratively with the client’s project team to implement a number of cost mitigation measures, via rigorous analysis. We also developed a customised cost reporting structure and dashboard for the client, allowing them to track key cost impacts across individual work package contracts on a single, user-friendly reporting page. 

Creating local opportunities while attracting world-class culture

Aviva Studios has the potential to maximise the creative industries in Manchester and beyond, creating opportunities for local talent and bringing more world-class culture to the city. 

It is estimated that the development will add £1.1bn to the city's economy and the surrounding region over the next decade, creating or supporting up to 1,500 direct and indirect jobs. 

Councillor Bev Craig, Leader of Manchester City Council, said:  

This internationally important venue, extraordinary in its scale and ambition, will open up a world of possibilities for people in this city – inspiring creativity and nurturing careers in the arts.