150 years as an iconic building in Manchester, over 25 years as a hugely popular entertainment centre and now its £21M transformation has been completed.
Printworks relaunches as the home of the largest digital ceiling in Europe which will change the face of experiential leisure in the UK.
Printworks has revealed a stunning 1000m2 screen on its ceiling, the first of its kind in Europe.
The centre has been transformed into an immersive, interactive digital space with state-of-the-art digital screens flooding the central, public walkways with colour and sound. This truly is a first and is a showcase for creative talent in Manchester. It will be free of charge for the public to enjoy and must be seen to be believed.
The transformation of Printworks is the result of five years work spearheaded by DTZ Investors along with a creative team of architects, brand and destination specialists, artists and digital media creatives. Their aim was to work together to create an entirely new ‘world of entertainment’ for Manchester’s fun-seeking consumers.
Nine actors, eight dancers, six dogs, four rabbits, three snakes, three swimmers, two tarantulas, one baby and one Coronation Street star were all filmed for over 250 hours to create the content over 12 months.
In addition, stunning CGI content includes cute, but mischievous, creatures, journeys through space, jungles and stunning, playful pieces which will run throughout the day and night in specially programmed times. The screen content will rotate against a seasonal calendar of activity meaning visitors will always be greeted by something new.
Ben Haller from DTZ Investors commented:
“This transformation is truly ground-breaking as a screen of this size has never been installed on a ceiling in Europe and it has created a spectacular, free, public show that people of all ages can enjoy. This will be a game changer for Manchester and offer something unique, the likes of which can only be seen at Fremont Street or The Sphere in Las Vegas. We are responding to consumers’ desire for immersive experiences and see Printworks as leading the way in using digital technology.
“We have created a best-in-class entertainment destination on a scale never seen in the UK or Europe. We have moved with customer trends to provide more daytime activities, competitive socialising and an unrivalled family day out as well as still offering exciting night time venues.”
Further refurbishments include a giant 210 square metre piece of public art by Alex Sylt, which was chosen by the people of Manchester in a public vote, as well as a panel of expert judges including Norman Cook, (Fatboy Slim).
A digital gaming screen has been added where passers-by can use their phones to play multi-player games against each other. Plus, a complete refurbishment externally and internally, including spectacular entrance gateways. In addition to the building renovations, Vue Cinemas has invested £6M improving its guest experience by installing luxury recliner seating to complement the 20 newly refurbished screens at Printworks, the largest cinema complex outside of London. Under DTZ’s ownership, new tenants have been secured including Tenpin, Treetop Golf and Boom Battle Bar, plus a deal has now been signed with Spider Entertainment for a new immersive concept.
Further announcements are likely with other occupiers soon.