Building Work Now Underway As John Thomson Becomes Honorary Patron Of Band on the Wall

With the venue’s redevelopment firmly underway, Band on the Wall is delighted to announce that actor John Thomson has become an Honorary Patron of the venue in the lead-up to its reopening in Spring 2009. John Thomson joins Band on the Wall to support its fundraising drive which is seeking financial support from businesses in the city and beyond. Money raised from the fundraising will help with additional resources for the venue and its programme including working with young people and communities across Manchester.

Known for his acclaimed performances in TV hits such as The Fast Show and Cold Feet, John Thomson’s relationship with this historic venue goes back many years. As a young comedian John took to the venue’s stage as part of it’s regular comedy nights that became a central part of Band on the Wall’s programming in the early 90s. He also took part at the venue in percussion workshops led by Dave Hassell, leader of Apitos.

Building work began on the Band on the Wall site and the adjacent building in February 2008. The project Architects are ShedKM, of Liverpool and the building contract was awarded to Naylor & Walkden Ltd, of Adlington, Chorley, Lancs, following competitive interviews. The company has a successful track record of building renovations and refurbishments of old builldings, including high quality heritage work. The early work on site has involved erecting scaffolding, carrying out extensive roof works and repairs to the external stonework, brickwork and cast iron columns on the facades of Band on the Wall. Substantial work has also been carried out in the basements, underpinning some of the walls and extensive stripping out work has been completed throughout both buildings. The building contract is due to be completed in January 2009 and this will be followed by the fitting out of the renovated buildings, including the installation of new equipment, such as sound and lighting systems. The development is on target for the venue to open to the public in Spring 2009.

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