Manchester’s Co-operative Academy set for £15m two-storey extension

Planning permission has been granted for a multi-million pound extension to the Co-operative Academy in Blackley, Manchester.

The £15m project, designed by architects AHR, will add a two-storey extension to the existing academy, raising its capacity from 900 to 1500 students.

Forming the centrepiece of the extension will be a new double-height entrance, foyer and reception area from which community facilities such as the 300-seat theatre, art studios, library, gym and climbing wall are accessed.

The theatre’s curved wall, which will feature a hive motif and provide a focal point within the two-level building, will be home to a café serving lunch for students and out-of-hours refreshments for visitors.

The wall café will also double as the theatre box office.

Teaching areas in the extension have been located away from the foyer to minimise noise disruption, with classrooms arranged around large, flexible learning zones.

AHR’s regional director, Robert Hopkins, said: “The proposal demonstrates a real commitment from the trust to help address the pupil place issue in Manchester and also shows a real commitment to the arts with a stunning new theatre venue.”