Ethos Public Relations Manchester

Property developer Argent sponsors Manchester music venue

by Ethos public relations

Property development company Argent Group PLC has become the latest sponsor in Band on the Wall's redevelopment.

The iconic music venue is set to re-open this September and Argent's commitment to investment and regeneration in the city centre, as well as its affiliation to arts and culture in Manchester, has led to its renewed support for the charity.

Argent's marketing manager, Angela Brown, explained the importance of the venue in the regeneration of the Northern Quarter. "Band on the Wall's return to the city will unite both culture and business. The new arts and social facilities mean that it won't just be a place that music fans can enjoy during the evening, but where residents and businesses can go during the day too."

Closed in 2005 for redevelopment, Band on the Wall will reopen with state-of-the-art facilities, including audio-visual and sound studios, and a new multi-use social space called The Picturehouse, which will host complimentary events throughout the year.

Argent has played an instrumental role in the regeneration of several landmark developments in Manchester. Its portfolio includes One Piccadilly Gardens, Piccadilly Place and The Hub, and the company is currently constructing The Hive in Stevenson Square, a unique flexible workspace, built with local and creative industries in mind.

"What matters to Argent is creating sustainable developments, in which the local business community and creative industries can come together to collaborate and profit from each other," Angela continued. "This is especially important during the downturn."

Inner City Music Ltd, the charity that owns Band on the Wall, managed to secure around £4 million to get the get the project off the ground. The funds raised are largely thanks to grants from the Arts Council England, Heritage Lottery Fund and Manchester City Council. But the venue also needs to attract corporate sponsorship to support its world-class programme, as well as its education and outreach work.

Argent joins eight other sponsors including Manchester Airport and ethical financial consultants, The Gaeia Partnership. All sponsors will benefit from having their branding on the marketing materials, membership cards for staff, discounts on event hire and networking opportunities at supporters' nights. This is in return for sponsorship of between £1,000 and £10,000 per year.

Band on the Wall's development manager, Najia Bagi said: "We're very proud of our roster of sponsors. It is great to see that despite the current economic climate, the re-launch of Band on the Wall is still exciting enough for Manchester's businesses to commit financial support, even before the building re-opens.

"It's great that the corporate sector continues to see sponsorship as a positive and strategic move. Of course, it helps to have such a great product to work with, and sponsors will find the tangible benefits of joining us immeasurable, not to mention the discounted rates for hire and the free entry to the club itself."

Angela concluded: "Sponsoring Band on the Wall is part of our ongoing support for the independent and creative life of the Northern Quarter, which The Hive will continue to act as a catalyst for when it opens in early 2010."

Posted at 17^th June 2009