The Mancunian Way: Made of stone

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It’s the largest investment in a national cultural project since the opening of Tate Modern - but the Factory International project is not without its problems. It’s well over budget and Manchester Council may need to take out a loan to finance it further.

Meanwhile, workers renovating Manchester town hall may also need more cash to finish the job. It's been a pricey endeavour already and it’s getting more expensive as inflation and an increase in material costs is exacerbated by the war in Ukraine. If that wasn't enough, the council might have to reopen a Yorkshire quarry to source the distinctive Spinkwell sandstone which has been ordered for use by heritage chiefs.

We’ll be discussing both projects in today’s newsletter.

It’s been described as a ‘once-in-a-century’ opportunity - the chance to repair, restore and safeguard the Grade-I listed Victorian neo-gothic Manchester Town Hall. The £325m restoration project has been underway for two years with specialist work to the historic building recognised by Historic England, the Victorian Society and the Considerate Contractors’ Scheme.

But councillors have now been told the worst case scenario would be a £17m overspend to complete the project - which is set to end in June 2024, but is likely to overrun. The rising cost of materials paired with ‘discoveries’ as work progresses mean the budget is under ‘significant pressure’.

Among the issues faced is a lack of the specific stone needed to make repairs. The Cumbrian quarry which