North West

Two tours led by acclaimed architect Roger Stephenson

Roger Stephenson is one of the most respected architects working in Manchester today. His practice has won over 40 national awards and was shortlisted for the Stirling Prize in 1998 for the Quay Bar, Castlefield and again in 2013 for Chetham’s. He is justly acclaimed for his meticulous approach to design and construction and the sensitivity with which he relates progressive new build to its context.

Focussing on a major educational/cultural project in the city centre in the morning and an award-winning private house in Halebarns in the afternoon, these two tours on 21 October are a rare chance to share his insight into his own work. Early booking is essential.

Chetham’s School of Music and Finlay’s Warehouse

The award-winning extension and the Stoller Hall, the city’s newest space for the performing arts, then going on to an apartment conversion of the Grade 11 listed Finlay’s Warehouse in the Northern Quarter.

To reserve a place email Barry Clark: books@chorlton21.co.uk Charge £5 (no concessions); pay on the day. Open to members and non-members. Meet 10.00 at the Chetham’s School Gatehouse on Long Millgate. This the main entrance, at the security gate opposite the lower end of the National Football Museum. The walk to Finlay’s Warehouse takes 15 – 20 minutes. The tour finishes around 12.30.

A private residence in Halebarns, Altrincham

This is an opportunity for a small group to visit a stunning private residence on Rappax Road in Halebarns. Winner of five awards, including the Civic Trust and the Mail on Sunday British Homes Awards ‘Large House of the Year’, it occupies a secluded position within a conservation area. Accessed by a steel and glass pedestrian bridge over dramatic small-scale landscaping, it comprises two elements set at different levels. The main block incorporates a spectacular double height living space that takes full advantage of the site’s topography; an adjacent wing also looks out onto extensive gardens. Internal fittings and materials are of outstanding quality.

To reserve a place email Barry Clark: books@chorlton21.co.uk On receiving confirmation that a place is available you will be asked to pay by PayPal. Charge £10 (no concessions). The host has generously offered to provide refreshments. Payment must be received by 13 October. You will then be given full details of the address etc. Open to members and their guests only. The tour is from 3.00 – 4.30. Parking is available on nearby roads. The area is not well served by public transport but there are trains from Manchester Piccadilly to Hale (departing 14.17/arriving 14.49); a small number of lifts from the station are available so please indicate when booking if you wish to take advantage of this option.