Manchester railway arches transformed into world-class artistic development hub

HOME Arches is spread across three interconnected arches on Whitworth Street West, below the existing HOME arts centre. The 258 sq m (2800 sq ft) hub provides studio, development and co-working spaces for artists and creative freelancers, plus access to technical equipment and expertise. 

The hub also houses Arches Windows, a custom-built public realm exhibition space that will present a rolling programme of work, from sculptural to digital, which will be permanently visible to the public from the street.

Across the three arches, the hub features a fully equipped studio space for up to 60 people, with blackout capability, high-level soundproofing, and facilities including a sprung dance floor, lighting/sound rig, showers, and toilets.

A double-height ‘making’ facility has also been created for up to 30 artists to collaborate across disciplines, along with meeting spaces, IT facilities, lockers, and a kitchen.

HOME Arches was designed by Jon Matthews Architects in collaboration with HOME’s Artist Panel, and consultation with the wider artistic community. The Artist Panel fed into the design and fit out, participated in programming and process development for the spaces, acted as advocates for the project, and led wider consultation with the artistic community. 

Dirk Pittaway, Regional Managing Director, Robertson Construction North West, said: “Delivering HOME Arches has been an incredible opportunity to demonstrate our expertise in transforming heritage environments into modern, versatile spaces. Working beneath operational rail tracks, we seamlessly integrated the new facilities with the existing arts centre, creating a dynamic hub that will inspire collaboration, foster innovation, and support cultural growth in this vibrant city.”

Karen O’Neill, CEO of HOME, said: “HOME Arches will provide high quality free space and facilities for artists to develop work, create, share ideas and continue to be supported by HOME’s Artist Development programmes. The investment and support for the Arches by our funders, donors and supporters confirms that Manchester values culture, and the city continues to grow as a place that artists and creativity can thrive in. HOME is excited for the Arches to be part of Manchester’s world leading cultural sector.”

Councillor Garry Bridges, Deputy Leader of Manchester City Council, added: "We know how important it is to have places artists can work, create and collaborate with others in, and the HOME arches provide just that. It's brilliant then to see these previously un-used spaces brought back into life, providing vital space and new opportunities in the heart of the city for our immensely talented and fast-growing community of creatives whose work helps showcase Manchester to the world." 

HOME Arches is funded by the UK Government, Manchester City Council, The Wolfson Foundation, Ask Real Estate, The Foyle Foundation and The Granada Foundation.