How Manchester School of Architecture hopes to breathe new life into two Sale institutions

Each year, the Manchester School of Architecture (MSA) launches its MSA Live initiative, a programme that integrates education with real-world impact through student-led projects.

Emporium M33 in Sale has partnered with MSA for ‘MSA Live 24’ © Life in Sale

These projects are more than academic exercises; they are collaborations between students and external partners aimed at making a tangible difference in the community. With a strong focus on social impact, MSA Live 24 not only challenges students to apply their skills in innovative ways but also addresses local needs directly.

This year's MSA Live spotlight shines on two well-known venues in Sale: Emporium M33 and Sale West Community Centre. These retail and community hubs respectively are set to benefit from the fresh perspectives and creative energies of around 600 students from six different cohorts. Through projects at these venues, MSA students will engage in tasks ranging from digital enhancements to physical rebranding, all designed to boost community engagement and bolster the identity of these spaces. As these initiatives take shape, they promise to bring tangible results for both Emporium M33 and Sale West Community Centre.

The Emporium M33 project plan

Emporium M33 is a remarkable yet sometimes underappreciated destination. For those still unfamiliar with the space, it is split over three floors and houses an eclectic mix of sole traders. From a bespoke tailor and a modern hair salon to a health-conscious café and a variety of trinket shops, this vibrant venue captures the creative spirit of the local community but struggles with visibility due to its off-the-high-street location.

© MSA

This year, MSA students are hoping to boost Emporium M33’s profile, not just as a shopping destination but as a central hub of creativity and local enterprise. The students' mission is clear: to create a buzz around Emporium M33 that resonates throughout Sale and beyond.

The action plan involves several strategic enhancements. First, the development of a modern, user-friendly website dedicated to showcasing the diverse offerings of the Emporium’s traders. This digital platform will serve as a virtual gateway for potential visitors, offering them a glimpse of what to expect and enticing them to explore further.

In addition to the digital uplift, physical improvements are on the agenda. Eye-catching signage will be introduced, guiding visitors effortlessly through the various floors and shops, ensuring that no hidden treasure remains undiscovered. These signs will not only enhance the shopping experience but will also serve as an aesthetic improvement.

Action Week will be a crucial time for implementation. During this period, the team will roll out their plans, engaging in tasks ranging from website launch to the installation of new signage, all while conducting community outreach to drum up local support and excitement. These efforts are aimed at not just attracting new visitors but also at building a stronger sense of community among the businesses within Emporium M33.

Collaboration is key to the project's success. The small team of MSA students are working closely with Scott Lyons, owner of Emporium M33 and business owners within Emporium M33. Their combined expertise and intimate knowledge of the local business landscape are invaluable to ensuring the project’s interventions are both meaningful and effective.

Claire Hines, owner of Shine inside Emporium M33, spoke of her enthusiasm for the project, saying: “It’s an absolute delight to work with the students from the Manchester School of Architecture. They have some great, fresh ideas and I’ve loved being involved!”

Xander Lees-Jones, one of the students working with Emporium M33, said: “The opportunity to interact with business people and communities in Manchester is a privilege, and we hope that they have benefitted from the MSA Live initiative.”

📍 Emporium M33, 3-7 Tatton Road, Sale M33 7EB

Revitalising Sale West Community Centre

Sale West Community Centre has long been a focal point for local activities. Recognising the potential to enhance its role and impact, a vibrant rebranding initiative spearheaded by enthusiastic students from MSA is now underway. This project aims to inject new energy into the community centre.

MSA students are working with Sale West Community Centre © MSA

The rebranding effort is inspired by themes of community spirit and the desire to create a unified space that welcomes all. The students are focusing on revamping the interior design to reflect modern aesthetics that are not only visually appealing but also functional, catering to the diverse activities the centre hosts. 

The updated community centre will feature areas designed to host community-driven events that emphasise inclusivity and interaction among residents of all ages and backgrounds. Whether it's workshops, local gatherings or social services, each aspect of the centre's use is considered in the rebranding to ensure it supports a wide range of needs and interests.

📍Sale West Community Centre, Newbury Avenue, Sale M33 4QH

Broader impacts and future prospects 

The ambitious student-led projects at Emporium M33 and Sale West Community Centre have the potential to not only be transformative for the venues themselves but also serve as models for community development and engagement. 

By engaging students in real-world challenges, MSA Live 24 demonstrates a viable blueprint for how academic programmes can contribute directly to community improvement while providing students with invaluable hands-on experience. The integration of community feedback into project planning ensures that each initiative is relevant and responsive to the community it serves.

The teams behind the two Sale venues involved in MSA Live 24 hope their participation will benefit both Sale's community and economic development. The projects aim to encourage increased foot traffic, which can boost local commerce and strengthen economic stability in the area. Additionally, these enhancements have the potential to make Sale an even more attractive destination for residents and businesses, contributing to the town's growth and vibrancy.