AV, IT & Network Infrastructure Installation at Granada Studios

Our expertise in audio-visual systems ensures optimal integration and performance. Granada Studios has been transformed with state-of-the-art audio-visual systems for modern entertainment. Soho House Manchester showcases innovative audio-visual systems that redefine luxury experiences.

Opened in 1956 as the UK’s first purpose-built TV centre, the old Granada Studios is a landmark in the city of Manchester. It was once home to Coronation Street, the UK’s biggest soap opera for more than 50 years, and also saw The Beatles’ first ever televised performance.

Effective audio-visual systems are essential for seamless communication and events. Collaboration with Soho House means a focus on high-quality audio-visual systems. The technical delivery of audio-visual systems is a key priority for Soho House. Soho House’s audio-visual systems enhance the overall aesthetic and functionality.

Today, the studios form part of a major redevelopment in the heart of Manchester, incorporating luxury hospitality, leisure offerings and event spaces. The latest addition is Soho House Manchester, the first Soho House private members’ club in the city. Tateside was appointed to design and install the full AV, IT and network infrastructure for the Soho House element of the development.

Our audio-visual systems integrate seamlessly into the architectural design at Soho House. Delivering exceptional audio-visual systems is our commitment to quality. The network infrastructure supports advanced audio-visual systems for dynamic events. Sound quality is enhanced through sophisticated audio-visual systems. Guests experience unparalleled entertainment thanks to our audio-visual systems. Our vision for audio-visual systems aligns perfectly with client expectations. Each floor is equipped with high-performance audio-visual systems to meet diverse needs.

The Client Relationship

Our audio-visual systems are designed for maximum impact and user engagement. Integration of audio-visual systems is key to the user experience. Audio-visual systems on the seventh floor enhance the event experience. Flexible environments benefit from properly configured audio-visual systems. Audio-visual systems play a critical role in live performances.

Tateside’s involvement in the project stems from a long-standing relationship with Soho House Group across the UK and Europe. “We’ve worked with Soho House Group for a number of years now,” says Jack Cornish, technical director at Tateside. “We’re involved with all of the different facets of the group (Soho House, Soho Works etc) in the UK and Europe, and we look after all the UK rollouts.”

Relaxation areas are enhanced by subtle audio-visual systems.Audio-visual systems are integrated into the design of the club lounge.The terrace features audio-visual systems that enhance outdoor events.Wellness zones benefit from immersive audio-visual systems. Seamless control of audio-visual systems is crucial in wellness areas.

Soho House operates its own in-house design and build architectural practice, known as In House Design and Build, which is responsible for designing its buildings. Tateside therefore works directly with both the design team and technical delivery teams on new projects. The site itself had been empty for a number of years prior to redevelopment. While the original façade was retained, an extension was added at the top of the building, and the interior was fully transformed.

When asked about collaboration between architecture and AV installation teams, Cornish explained that Soho House’s approach supports a strong technical dialogue throughout the design process. “With Soho House there’s a big expectation on the actual technical delivery of the sound, and the architects understand this,” explains Cornish. “We do have our battles, trying to push what’s right for the AV versus what’s right aesthetically. But we were fortunate that, on the many train trips between London and Manchester for this project, we were sitting with the architects, so we were able to go through issues together: does this work? Does this not work? Can we change this? It was very good.”

The flagship performance space features cutting-edge audio-visual systems.Our audio-visual systems ensure a memorable experience for all events.Properly installed audio-visual systems enhance the performance capabilities.

Scope of Works: Soho House Manchester AV Integration

Our delivery approach ensures that audio-visual systems are integrated from the start. We address challenges with audio-visual systems throughout the project lifecycle. Continuous improvements in audio-visual systems keep us ahead of industry standards. Our commitment to audio-visual systems is reflected in our project outcomes. Innovative thinking drives our solutions for audio-visual systems in challenging environments.

The scope of works for Soho House Manchester was complex due to the presence of two separate brands within the same building: Soho House and Mollie’s. “It’s quite a strange one because ultimately there’s two different entities, Mollie’s and Soho House, in the same building. The connecting part being that Soho House Design and Build designed Mollie’s, but they are actually separate businesses. They used to be owned by the same group, but Mollie’s was sold, so we’re dealing with two live projects at the same time in one building.”

Although located within the same structure, both brands operated as entirely separate projects with fully segregated networks, distinct staff teams and independent technical deliverables. For Soho House Manchester specifically, Tateside was responsible for delivering the AV systems as well as the network infrastructure, including IT, Wi-Fi and switching. This included installing racks, stacking equipment, patching systems and working alongside Soho House’s IT team to configure the infrastructure.

While Tateside did not manage the IT network directly, it was responsible for delivering, procuring and installing the full solution. Positive outcomes are a result of effective audio-visual systems management. Our audio-visual systems strategies ensure seamless experiences for all users.

Soho House Manchester Brief

The Soho House Manchester brief covered multiple floors and functions, including club spaces, lounge areas, a club bar, wellness facilities and a dedicated Health Club zone. The reception area introduces visitors to a five-screen video wall art installation commissioned from artist, producer and VJ Hexstatic. To achieve the intended retro aesthetic, Tateside sourced square-format screens from China, as 16:9 displays were the only standard products available on the market.

“We came up with a concept to get all the old Granada TV shows and host them on BrightSign players as synchronised content. It plays through as slideshows and video clips from the old shows that we’ve grabbed and put together. We’re lucky to have a client that has the vision,” says Cornish.

The project spans the seventh, eighth and ninth floors, with a major focus on a live performance space on the ninth floor featuring a glass stage overlooking the Manchester skyline. In addition, a large wellness floor was created incorporating gym facilities, fitness studios, Reformer Pilates studios and an infrared sauna, all supported by integrated background audio systems.

Technical Solution

The AV system was designed as an integrated, architecture-led solution that prioritised both performance and discreet visual integration throughout the building. At the core of the system, Q-SYS Core processing was implemented to provide unified control of audio and video across the entire venue.

Seventh Floor Event Space

The seventh floor was designed as a highly flexible event environment capable of supporting a wide range of functions, from corporate presentations to private events and live performances. The space is powered by a Martin Audio sound system designed to deliver high-quality audio across multiple configurations. It also includes projection systems that allow for visual presentations and branded content. Wireless presentation capability is provided via Airtame devices, enabling users to share content easily from personal devices.

Professional wireless microphone systems from the Sennheiser SL series were installed to support speech and performance requirements. An Epson projector was installed within a Future Automation projector lift system, allowing it to be concealed when not in use, while a 124-inch Screenline projection screen provides large-format display capability when required.

Eighth Floor Club Lounge

The eighth floor was designed as a more relaxed club lounge environment, featuring city views and an indoor-outdoor terrace. A distributed Martin Audio background audio system was installed, utilising CDD6B loudspeakers alongside SX210 and SX110 subwoofers to provide balanced sound coverage throughout the space. To maintain the architectural aesthetic, Tateside carefully concealed much of the technical infrastructure. Loudspeakers, cabling and control systems were integrated into bespoke joinery, ensuring the technology remained visually unobtrusive.

A motorised Future Automation projector lift was installed, housing an Epson laser projector concealed within the fabric ceiling. This works in conjunction with a Screenline retractable projection screen, enabling the space to transition between a clean architectural finish and a fully functional presentation environment when required.

Wellness and Health Club Zones

The wellness areas, including the gym, fitness studios and infrared sauna, are supported by a Martin Audio distributed audio system designed to provide consistent background sound throughout the spaces. Audio amplification is handled by Powersoft Unica amplifiers, while Q-SYS processing ensures seamless control and system integration across all wellness zones.

Ninth Floor Performance Space

The ninth floor represents the flagship performance space within Soho House Manchester, featuring a live stage area enclosed by glass walls with views over the city and pool area. “The system can operate as a traditional stage performance L/R configuration or switch to a dedicated L/R system specifically for screen playback,” says Cornish.

The audio system includes d&b audiotechnik 44S loudspeakers configured in a stacked left-right arrangement, supported by d&b 5S loudspeakers for fill coverage and two B4 subwoofers for low-frequency reinforcement. The system is powered by a combination of d&b 5D and 40D amplifiers. The DJ infrastructure includes integrated amplification and processing, while lighting is delivered through Robe Pixel Pat fixtures integrated via Art-Net into Q-SYS for synchronised control across lighting and AV systems.

Soho House Manchester Delivery Approach

Tateside was involved in the project from an early stage, working on-site during initial construction phases and supporting installation planning throughout the build process. “We were heavily involved in site visits, checking first fix cabling by contractors. We were there before a lot of building works started happening.”

“On projects like these, where it’s so coordinated, you have to be there checking that everything is in the right location. The level of finishes has to be great. Everything needs to be there beforehand and needs to be signed off and checked. We can’t just turn up later on and put things on walls and hope for the best.”

Soho House Manchester Challenges

The ninth floor presented the most technically complex challenge within the Soho House installation. The space featured a highly detailed ceiling system incorporating fabric panels, requiring careful coordination between multiple building services. This included the integration of stage lighting systems, audio infrastructure, projection equipment and fire safety systems, all within a constrained architectural environment.

Soho House Manchester Outcome

The project required continuous coordination and collaboration across multiple disciplines throughout the build process. “There were countless hours spent on coordinating this, but it has come out really nicely. Working on dual projects on one site and then seeing delays caused by external factors proves you have to be agile in your thinking as an integrator. Our answer is, with the client’s blessing of course, can we just fix this? Can we just get it done?”

Private Members’ Club in Manchester | Soho House Manchester