ICIAN, the joint venture founded by Crosby Homes and Salford Quays-based Amec Developments, is celebrating a £2.2m boost for its Smithfield Market scheme.

The Manchester-based Chinese Arts Centre has been awarded that amount of National Lottery funding to allow it to move into the old Market Building at Smithfield.

It is part of the £50m Northern Quarter regeneration project at the site.

The new building will become a national show-case of Chinese arts and culture, including galleries, education facilities and a shop.

Ician’s Andrew Dewhurst said: ‘‘The Chinese Arts Centre will form a key element of the Northern Quarter development and complements our plans to foster a thriving, multi-cultural community within Manchester city centre.’’

When complete, the Northern Quarter project will include apartments, shops, offices, bars and an hotel.