A £250 million opera house is being planned as Manchester's `payback' for being denied the country's first super casino.
The ambitious development would see the world's leading singers performing at the venue in east Manchester - the area let down by the government's U-turn on expanding the gambling industry.
Talks are already underway between the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden and the city council about building a 'national opera house' in the north. It is on a list of proposals being considered by a ministerial task force headed by Salford MP Hazel Blears set up to regenerate east Manchester after the collapse of the super casino bid.
The opera house scheme is understood to be the one personally favoured by Prime Minister Gordon Brown.
Unlike the super casino, a National Opera House would have to be built with public money. A council source told the MEN it was hoped the opera house would be the main attraction in a wider regeneration package, going some way to creating the 3,000 jobs promised by the casino bid.
Tony Hall, chief executive of the Royal Opera House, said: “Manchester has a strong track record of using culture to drive urban regeneration, we are excited about how this might progress our programme of getting the work of the Royal Opera House to as wide an audience as possible.”
Manchester Blackley MP Graham Stringer said: “It would go some way to providing compensation for a casino and be a great feather in Manchester's cap.
"Still, I remain sceptical until I see the colour of the government's money; how the numbers stack up; whether there will be further regeneration; and whether there will be a need for a council tax subsidy.
“The real disappointments are that a casino would have cost the taxpayer nothing.”
Tony Lloyd, MP for Manchester Central said: "It would be great news for Manchester to have something as prestigious as this. It would be a really exciting development in any part of the city but I would be particularly delighted if it came to east Manchester.”
Local opera star Jon Christos, who yesterday performed at the Professional Footballer's Association awards, said: “Manchester is a cosmopolitan city that already attracts people to the city for music events. However, it should offer contemporary shows that will appeal to Joe Public and not just traditional opera fans."
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The Rt Hon Dr Rev MC Spanner MP QC FCA FRICS JP OK (28/04/2008 at 08:58)
It's 3 days before an election and a new scheme is being proposed. Possibly not what the Labour voting folk in Manchester had in mind.
I can see it now - The residents of Gorton and Harpurhey will be celebrating becuase they have always wanted to see La Boheme and Turandot but Milan was a bit too far.
Obviously Ace would want public hangings and summary executions to held at this grand venue.
Bejjy ex Salford now Malta, Malta (28/04/2008 at 09:09)
Graham, City Centre (28/04/2008 at 09:20)
Octavius Tinsworth Ace (28/04/2008 at 09:21)
Personally I can't stand opera or theatre generally but I'd say this project -- IF it's seen through -- is worthy recompense for not getting the casino. However, I'll be holding back on applauding the government until construction actually starts.
Mike S, Manchester (28/04/2008 at 09:36)
PS - I think your Dr & Rev should be the other way round - Rev first.
Mark Spencer, Ashton-under-Lyne, Lancashire. (28/04/2008 at 09:38)
Mark, South Manchester (28/04/2008 at 09:51)
The Daily Mail & Sun would go berserk and Gordon doesn't like upsetting those papers.
(Considering the supercasino rebellion, I don't think Yorkshire & our fellow Northern MPs - would be too happy about "Manchester" receiving such public funds either??)
So what an absolute joke. Basically the City Council should sue the Government and basically sit tight and wait for our "anti supercasino" Prime Minister to be now dumped!!
Compo, Wythenshawe (28/04/2008 at 10:04)
dessie, manchester (28/04/2008 at 10:07)
get a grip aonther waste of taxpayers money!!!!
Voter (28/04/2008 at 10:09)
Timberman, MANCHESTER (28/04/2008 at 10:11)
I suppose it will be handy to do the weekly shop at Asda after having a night at the opera.
Proud Mancunian (28/04/2008 at 10:23)
Just Checking - That along with the Bridwater Hall and The Palace Theatre.
It must just be me that thinks this isnt needed
ace, manchester (28/04/2008 at 10:43)
Asdablue (28/04/2008 at 10:53)
My only problem, how often would a concert? be held, would it be left empty for months at a time, if so then it still would not provide permanent work for people like me.
Over to you ace...
S P In exile, Tameside (28/04/2008 at 10:57)
A casino open 24 hours would attract other businesses like hotels bringing even more jobs. This idea will get the thumbs up from central government, yet another kick in the teeth to the working people of the area but this will add to the rest of the kicking’s they have dished out to the country as a whole.
Chris, Irlam (28/04/2008 at 11:18)
alvinlwh (28/04/2008 at 11:19)
dennis tueart's lovechild, Bury (28/04/2008 at 12:01)
With that kind of money, why not build a 20,000 seat, state of the art Indoor Arena with the best accoustics money can buy.
Drew_Peacock, stockport (28/04/2008 at 12:03)
If it can be built in the City centre, then great.
Pippa, Manchester (28/04/2008 at 12:22)
PW, Manchester (28/04/2008 at 12:49)
There'll be some lovely cars parked there as well. They'll be of great interest to the local motor enthusiasts who won't resist the temptation to 'have a look'.
Of course, local opera-enthusiasts can wear their best track-suit bottoms and make sure they're tucked into nice clean socks, befitting of the occasion.
The possibilities for lunacy are endless.
HJBattersby (28/04/2008 at 13:09)
sinnikal, Manchester (28/04/2008 at 13:33)
wahablue (28/04/2008 at 13:34)
TISS (28/04/2008 at 13:51)