The concert hall is the second phase of Chetham’s new school of music which was completed in 2012 also designed by stephenson STUDIO. The ‘world class’ orchestral concert hall is a complex acoustically isolated ‘box within a box’ retro-fitted into the voluminous form of the existing school. A steel structure supports the concert hall, technical loft and plenum basement floor all ‘suspended’ within the self-weighted structure which sits on acoustic mounts. The new concert hall has a 484 seat capacity which includes a choir gallery and balcony. The main performance stage has a two stage riser, and the stall seating incorporates a 90 person seating wagon which allows flexibility for both the performance stage, and the stall seating provision. A rigorous approach to discreet service installation designed by Max Fordham and the stringent acoustic performance requirements by ARUP Acoustics, manifests itself in the architectural detailing of the interior finish. The internal aesthetics are acoustically modelled in oak panelling with profiled plaster finishes above, along with acoustic diffusion slot detailing and coved ceiling profiles. Aesthetics are further layered by drop down banners to provide acoustic variation tuned to the specific performance requirements and also providing the backdrop for projected imagery. Back of house ancillary spaces include green rooms, changing rooms, patron’s toilets and storage. Constraints of working in direct adjacency to the Grade l listed medieval school and completion of the works at the heart of the new school whilst in full occupation throughout, was testament to the skill and expertise of the main contractor. The works were completed one month ahead of the 72 week contract period and within the budgetary constraints of 8.7m set by the client’s brief. Inclusive access is offered to all with full provision for disabled patrons to the balcony, stalls, and back of house areas.