Chetham’s School of Music in Manchester is to build a new Pounds 23 million “medieval quarter” on its premises. The new building, which will boast a 350-seat concert hall and teaching premises, is expected to generate Pounds 6m a year for the city.

Work on the school, which has more than 280 pupils aged eight-18, will begin in September. Funding will come from the Department for Children, Schools and Families and the North West Development Agency. An existing school building will be demolished to make the 15th-century library more visible. It will be joined by a visitor centre on the history of Manchester.

Claire Hickman, head of Chetham’s School of Music, told the Manchester Evening News: “This is an important milestone in a groundbreaking scheme that will create truly world-class teaching and concert hall facilities.

“Though its completion is some time away, our vision is now fully on track and we look forward to seeing this famous school transform.” gl.