Salford University’s oldest and most historically-interesting building is set for a major upgrade.
The Peel Building on the Crescent was Grade-II listed in 1974.
Inside the imposing four-storey red brick and terracotta building is the grand 300-seater Peel Hall, which has seen better days.
Weekly concerts by student bands are held inside, and the hall is traditionally used for ceremonies such as the granting of honorary degrees to the likes of former Hollies guitarist Graham Nash.
Watch: Graham Nash returns to Salford, settles music history
Manchester-based agents Day Architectural Ltd have designed plans for an upgrade, which include redecorating walls and ceilings, forming a new ticket office and replacing stained glass and arched leaded windows to improve acoustics.
Listed Building Consent for the works was granted by Salford City Council planners in June.
The Peel Building was designed by famed architect Henry Lord, who also designed the listed Salford Lads Club over the road in Ordsall.
The beautifully-detailed façade, by Earp, Son & Hobbs is constructed of red Accrington bricks and sculpted terracotta.
Originally the home for Salford Royal Technical Institute it was opened by the then Duke and Duchess of York (later George V and Queen Mary) in 1896.
The building was renamed Peel Building in 1967 when the Royal College of Advanced Technology was granted university status.
Today it is home to Salford University’s School of Environment & Life Sciences.
