The Lowry in Salford to be used as temporary court, in partnership with Ministry of Justice

Photo credit: The Lowry

Well, that’s an interesting change of use! In a bold move to safeguard the venue’s future, The Lowry in Salford will become a temporary court, working with the Ministry of Justice, from 28 September.

The theatre will become a ‘Nightingale Court’, hearing cases of a civil, family and criminal nature, plus tribunals.

The Lowry is the first arts centre in the country who has secured such a contract and said that it will provide a  “much needed source of income for the art gallery and theatre while social distancing measures make theatre performances economically challenging”.

Chief Executive of The Lowry, Julia Fawcett, said: “Like arts venues up and down the country, we simply cannot operate our building as normal in the current climate. And with no regular source of income since March, this partnership provides vital funds to enable us to relaunch our programme.

“This includes online, open-air and community performances by some of the UK’s most creative dance, circus and theatre companies as well as creative engagement activities that will improve the mental health and life chances of more than 2,000 young people in Salford.”

The deal will provide financial backing for the venue’s Christmas plans, including its aforementioned run of Six and The Gruffalo. Their galleries will reopen at weekends from the start of November, when the court is not in session.

For information on the venue’s theatre programme, please click here.