This year's meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) is a "building year, " says David Parkinson, head of oncology at Biogen Idec.

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The royal visit went ahead despite the centre being hit by tragedy last week when its head of arts, Lea Parkinson, 32, fell 150 feet to his death from the building's roof.

BBC: Royals open Lowry centre

The building will be one of the first dedicated theatre and performance venues for the area, according to John Parkinson from Upfront Arts which is behind the project.

BBC: Artist impression of the new building