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New Manchester School of Art building named after DWF chairman

Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU) has opened its new £34 million Manchester School of Art Benzie Building, named in honour of business law firm, DWF’s chairman, Alan Benzie.

Mr Benzie, who is also the university’s outgoing Chair of Governors, attended the school’s opening ceremony alongside Vice-Chancellor Professor John Brooks.

Guy Garvey, frontman of Manchester band Elbow, opened the Benzie Building to an audience of notable Manchester figures including Tom Bloxham, of the property development group, Urban Splash and Dave Moutrey, of the Cornerhouse, as well as students past and present.

During his eight years as Chairman of the Board of Governors, Alan Benzie was instrumental in securing board level agreements on two significant decisions for the development of the School of Art. His daughter and eldest son have also graduated from MMU, while his younger son is currently studying there.

Mr Benzie said: “Manchester has long been considered one of the UK’s leading cultural hubs, so it’s an honour to be the namesake of a development that will ensure the city continues to nurture artistic talent.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Simon Malia .