Derelict Manchester buildings in line for £250m revamp

Two listed buildings in Manchester are to be fully restored and turned into flats and commercial units after planning was submitted for phase two of the city’s £250m Kampus development.

A joint venture between Capital & Centric and Henry Boot Developments is working to develop a new neighbourhood around Aytoun Street in Manchester city centre. The architect for the scheme’s second phase is Shed KM, while Deloitte is planning advisor.

The two derelict 19th century former warehouse buildings, Minto & Turner and Minshull House, are listed for their historical interest and retain original features that have survived intact. The project will also see the re-opening of Little David Street after decades of limited access.

Once restored the buildings will provide 59 loft apartments along with around 14,000ft² commercial space. Commercial units will open onto Little David Street and a new, south-facing square off Chorlton Street.

Adam Brady of Henry Boot Developments, said: “At Kampus we have the opportunity to create something genuinely standout for the city, something completely new. These two buildings – and the reopening of Little David Street – are central to our plans.

“What we don’t want at Kampus is more ‘me too’ warehouse apartments – we’ll be working hard to retain as many original features as we can, including those that would pose too much of a challenge for many other developers.”

Phase one comprises 478 build-to-rent apartments, along with 30,000ft² retail and leisure space on the ground and first floors, beneath two 12-16 storey new buildings, including a ‘rooftop village’. The scheme will also include the refurbishment of the existing 1960s former Aytoun Tower. The focal point of the scheme will be sought-after green space, including the secret garden.

Mount Anvil began enabling works for the first phase of the scheme last month. Phase one is due to be ready for occupation by 2020.