Won in an open design competition, the Bridgewater Concert Hall steps down to the waterside concourse, and is complemented on the opposite side by a prestigious office development and canalside cafe.“This 2,400 seat concert hall makes a magnificent statement on the role of music in the cultural life of Manchester and contributes a new focal point to the city. The prominent, freestanding structure of the hall makes a dramatic impression on the new civic space beyond the building. Particularly at night, the extensive glazing to the foyers brings the hall to life and provides a brilliant advertisement for the concerts within. A glazed prow soars above the entrance and this theatrical quality is carried through into the interior. The foyers are organised on two principal levels, each with a mezzanine above, and these are linked by a grand staircase. Artworks have been incorporated in the public spaces and a journey through the interior affords an exciting range of views and experiences. Bridgewater Hall is a building of great cultural significance and civic presence. It has been designed with impressive technical assurance and provides not only a world-class venue for symphony and choral music but also a striking new monument for the people of Manchester.”1998 Civic Trust Award Assessor Statement