7 replies to this topic

[kumback]

The venue is rumoured to be closing for major refurbishment some time during 2007 to increase capacity.

I've heard some wild rumours about how long this is supposed to take & that all gigs meanwhile will be moved to the Apollo, but since that venue's so much bigger, that seems pretty unlikely.

Anyone know anything concrete about their plans?

[speedyscott]

can't they just move them to the academy 2 and 3 - or are they much smaller?

[Haggis]

They are much smaller. VERY roughly, the Academy 2 (or Manchester Uni MDh as it used to be known) is half the size of the Academy and the Academy 3 (formerly the Hop and Grape) is half the size of 2.

I hope, if the Academy IS refurbing, they are considering putting a camber on the floor. It could do with a remodelling tbh, it's a long time since the Buzzcocks opened it some 17 years ago

[kumback]

Here's the info on the refurbishment. Last gig there before it closes is a St Patricks day Concert (17/03).

Academy 1 will be closing its doors for a major refurbishment which is set to re-open mid-September this year. It is a £2.5 million renovation with the complete project finishing in January 2008.

There will be a full major refurbishment of bars, toilets, cloakrooms, first aid facilities and the front of house. This exciting new venue will also boast a larger stage and a much improved backstage area.There will be a purpose built disabled viewing area.

It will be a pioneering environmentally friendly building which will harvest rainwater for the toilets and cleaning use, and the building will be heated by means of deep borehole heat conversion and solar panels.

To enhance the Academy's presence on the Oxford Road there will be a new multi- coloured glazed tower entrance also internally providing a dynamic entrance foyer. We are looking forward to unveiling our fabulous venue in September.

[DanDeg]

Its gonna hold 4000 people, have a balcony, and will be bigger than the Manchester Apollo. Will be interesting seeing all the Apollo bands playing at the Academy!

[kumback]

I'll be surprised to see it completed by September then if that's the case. Bet there will be delays.

[ohnonotnow]

Aoparently the Ritz is now going to handle all of academy 1's future gigs.
wank.

[DanDeg]

Aoparently the Ritz is now going to handle all of academy 1's future gigs.
wank.

Class news, the happy mondays are playing the Ritz 8th July