Music centre ready to roll with architects

Sheffield’s planned 7m National Centre for Popular Music is poised to announce a shortlist of six architects next week – if it receives a 3m grant from the National Lottery funds (DW 18 August).

Centre development director Tim Strickland is planning to announce the shortlist on 14 September, the day after the Arts Council is expected to announce its latest Lottery-funded grants.

The centre has received 56 applications from architects based primarily in the UK.

“We’re looking for an innovative landmark building to reflect the dynamism of the subject matter,” says Strickland. An appointment is planned for late November.

An intensive search for a design consultancy to create exhibitions for the centre will take place over the next three months. “We hope to appoint designers after this,” adds Strickland.

Last month saw the opening of a similar venture in the US, the 70m Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum in Cleveland.