If you live in New York City, like us, you know that the subway system leaves something to be desired. Especially when you've visited London and ridden on the much cleaner, much prettier Tube. However, today's U.K. public transportation headline belongs to Manchester, and its decision to convert an unused rail depot into an arts facility with an accompanying performance space.
The city council approved plans to convert the Mayfield Depot, a location across the street from the famous Piccadilly Station, into a music venue over a span of five years. No official plans have been laid out, but reportedly the companies responsible for renovating the building have been in talks with organizers of the Warehouse Festival, a yearly electronic music series. The Manchester International Festival is also expected to hold events in the proposed venue, which is estimated to have about 2,500 seats.
City Council spokesman Pat Karney confirmed the council's approval, but noted that it would pay close attention to the facility's activities to ensure safety standards.
"The committee felt that this application met the licensing objectives and so, after listening to responses from people who made representations, we have given this approval," he said. "But the committee has attached 79 conditions to ensure the premises is run safely and appropriately."
Among those 79 provisions is one stating that only 25 DJ-led events a year at this point, several of which will be taken up by the Warehouse Festival, surely. Other stipulations are more common sense, such as hosting fire marshall inspections and whatnot.
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