Science and Industry Museum’s beloved Air and Space Hall to undergo £20m transformation

The historic Upper Campfield Market Hall, located on Barton St, Castlefield, is set to be transformed into a creative, tech and media hub.

Back in 2021 it was reported that Manchester City Council was to receive £19.8m from the government’s Culture in the City scheme, part of which will now go into the restoration of the Grade II listed landmark.

Previously used as the Air and Space Hall gallery, as part of the Science and Industry Museum, the pair of buildings will be repaired and refurbished into a new creative facility. Together, they will provide 83,000 sq ft of workspace including a minimum of 400 hot desks, event spaces and meeting rooms.

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The Council has entered a legal agreement with developer Allied London who will operate the facility once open under its workspace platform All Work & Social. The project is set for completion in the Spring of 2024 with work expected to commence on renovations later this year.

The site will make up part of Allied’s £1bn St John masterplan. Full of rich history, the distinctive structure once housed a Victorian market hall where traders sold cheese and vegetables, alongside playing host to travelling exhibitions.

Manchester City Council Leader Cllr Bev Craig praised the Campfield Market project, saying: “Campfield is an exciting initiative which will see these two heritage buildings help play a dynamic part in Manchester’s future, giving innovative businesses an affordable place to flourish and helping to create the jobs of tomorrow.

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“Having a location in the heart of the city centre, as part of a cluster of similar businesses, will create an environment where tech, media, and creative entrepreneurs – whether they are starting up or scaling up – can network and share inspiration.

“Manchester has always been a city of innovation and creativity. Campfield will help ensure it continues to be.”