The Factory

ManchesterUnited Kingdom 53° N · 2° W Updated Oct 2026

Situated at the heart of Manchester's cultural renaissance, The Factory Manchester—officially known as Aviva Studios—is a pioneering arts venue that has…

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What The Factory Manchester is

The Factory Manchester, officially Aviva Studios, is an arts venue in the St John’s neighbourhood. It was conceived as a cornerstone of the Northern Powerhouse initiative and realized through a £78 million government investment. The venue is the permanent home of Manchester International Festival (MIF) and hosts year-round commissions, performances and community programmes (Wikipedia; Archello; OMA; Wallpaper).

The venue’s flexible spaces support multidisciplinary arts and community engagement. Its name refers to Factory Records and Manchester’s history of musical innovation (Wikipedia).

History

The Factory was envisioned in 2014 as a world-class, flexible arts venue that could support Manchester’s creative sector and broaden the UK’s cultural geography. It was designed to give MIF a permanent home, replacing the festival’s previous use of venues across the city (Wikipedia; Archello; OMA).

The building stands on the former Granada TV Studios site and anchors the 15-acre St John’s neighbourhood, a regeneration project led by Allied London and Manchester City Council. Beside the River Irwell, it is surrounded by public spaces, green areas and improved pedestrian access (e-architect; ARQA; Manchester Evening News).

The final cost reached around £186 million, making it one of the largest UK cultural investments since the opening of Tate Modern. The project supports up to 1,500 jobs and was projected to add £1.1 billion to Manchester’s economy over a decade (The Manc; Designboom). Factory International leads its year-round programme, while educational initiatives support emerging creative talent (Factory International).

What to see and do

Architecture and spaces

Designed by OMA, The Factory is the practice’s first major UK public building. Rem Koolhaas and Ellen van Loon designed it as a venue of “infinite possibilities”: a hybrid between a fixed theatre and a flexible warehouse, with super-sized moveable walls and industrial aesthetics that refer to Manchester’s manufacturing history (OMA; Wallpaper).

The building spans 13,350 square metres. Its main auditorium seats 1,500–2,000, its warehouse accommodates up to 5,000 standing guests, and the spaces can combine to host up to 7,000 people (The Manc; e-architect). Other features include:

State-of-the-art acoustics, adaptable staging and digital infrastructure support a wide range of productions. Sustainable building systems and materials are also integral, though specific certifications have not been widely publicized (OMA; Designboom).

The venue presents local and international artists and offers learning, skills-training and creative-development programmes. During MIF, these include thousands of affordable tickets and free events (Factory International; Designboom; Secret Manchester).

Manchester International Festival 2025

MIF 2025 runs from 3–20 July 2025. Its programme includes more than 1,000 local participants, world premieres, immersive experiences and public art. Events listed include:

  • A Single Man, a Royal Ballet collaboration, 2–6 July.
  • The Herds, a citywide climate project featuring life-sized animal puppets.
  • Factory Settings, an augmented reality exhibition.
  • Football City, Art United, pairing artists and footballers for an interdisciplinary showcase.
  • Free performances and community workshops at Festival Square (Manchester Evening News).

Featured artists include Blackhaine, Eric Cantona, Edgar Davids, Juliet Ellis, FAFSWAG and Andy Field, alongside established names from previous festivals. Festival activities also include behind-the-scenes guided tours of exhibitions and architecture, family-friendly and artist-led workshops, and talks with leading creatives.

FAC251 The Factory

FAC251 is a separate Manchester nightlife venue at 112–118 Princess Street, M1 7EN. Housed in a repurposed industrial building, it reflects Manchester’s tradition of transforming heritage spaces into creative venues. Its programming often pays homage to the city’s influential music scene (Direct Access Manchester).

The venue has three floors with different music styles, including indie, pop, house, funk and rock. Live bands and DJs perform on rotation, alongside themed club nights and festival tie-ins; private hire is also available (Nightflow).

Practical visiting information

Aviva Studios

  • Regular hours Tuesday–Sunday, 10:00 AM–6:00 PM. Event times may vary; check the official website for current schedules.
  • Address Water Street, St John’s, Manchester, M3 4JQ.
  • Tickets Standard event tickets start from £10. Free events are available during major festivals such as MIF. Tickets can be bought online or at the box office.
  • Discounts Many events offer reduced prices for students and families. Flagship programmes make thousands of tickets available for £10 or less (Manchester Evening News).
  • Transport The venue is near Deansgate and Castlefield tram stops and is served by major bus routes. Manchester Victoria and Deansgate train stations are nearby.
  • Parking On-site parking is limited; public car parks are within walking distance.
  • Accessibility Facilities include step-free access, accessible seating, hearing loops and accessible restrooms. Assistance dogs are welcome. Further information is available in the venue’s access guide.

FAC251

  • Hours Monday, 7:00 PM–2:00 AM; Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 7:00 PM–3:00 AM. Check the official website for changes during festivals or special events.
  • Tickets Prices are £8–£20, depending on the event and night. Advance online purchase is recommended; walk-up tickets are available subject to capacity.
  • Entry Strictly 18+ with valid photo ID.
  • Transport and parking Manchester Oxford Road and Piccadilly stations are a short walk away. Nearby bus and tram stops, public car parks and bike parking are available.
  • Facilities and security Bars are on each floor. The venue has accessible restrooms, a cloakroom depending on the event and dedicated accessibility services. Security staff conduct ID and bag checks, and the venue has a code of conduct for safe nightlife (Factory International; Guard Mark).
  • Food and drink The venue has bars but no food service; local dining options are within walking distance (Factory International).

Tips

Arrive early to enjoy the riverside plaza and the building’s architecture. The Factory International app offers navigation and digital tickets. Festival programmes may include guided tours, artist talks and interactive installations.

For current tickets, visiting hours and event information, use the official website. The Factory and MIF also share updates on social media; the Audiala app is suggested for enhanced experiences and real-time updates.

Nearby places

The Factory is beside the River Irwell in St John’s, where new public spaces and green areas surround the former Granada TV Studios site. Its riverside plaza hosts public art and outdoor events. Deansgate and Castlefield tram stops, Manchester Victoria and Deansgate train stations, and public car parks are nearby.

Frequently asked questions

What are The Factory Manchester’s regular visiting hours?
Tuesday–Sunday, 10:00 AM–6:00 PM; event-specific hours vary.

Where can I buy tickets for events?
Online via the official Factory International website or at the box office.

Is the venue accessible for disabled visitors?
Yes. It has step-free access, accessible toilets, hearing loops and staff assistance.

Are there free events?
Many events, especially during MIF, are free or low-cost.

What are FAC251’s entry policies?
The venue is 18+ only with valid ID; advance tickets are recommended for busy nights.

Where can I park?
The Factory has limited on-site parking, with several nearby public car parks.