Urban Splash unveils architect for Beehive Mill
Regeneration company Urban Splash will collaborate with architect Maurice Shapero to redesign elements of Beehive Mill in Manchester.
Urban Splash purchased the Grade II-listed building in Ancoats, birthplace of legendary club brand Sankey’s Soap, earlier this year and will now undertake a programme of refurbishment works in key parts of the building.
Maurice Shapero has been appointed to undertake the designs which will include a new reception, internal units, communal areas and a feature courtyard.
Nathan Cornish of Urban Splash explained: “Beehive Mill has long been a target of ours; we waited patiently to acquire it over a number of years and were delighted when we completed a swift transaction to buy the building earlier this year.
“We’ve been a bit overwhelmed with the level of interest we’ve had in the building, but clearly it needs investment to bring it up to date and make it feel like an Urban Splash product.
“Ancoats and New Islington is thriving at the moment and Beehive is in the very heart of the action. I’m really pleased to be working with Maurice Shapero – I’m confident he’ll get the best out of the building but also add an element of surprise and flair as is typical with his unique style.”
It is the second time the pair have collaborated, as Maurice Shapero explained: “In 2010, we were fortunate enough to work with Urban Splash on the restoration of Albert Mill in Castlefield so I am delighted that we now have the opportunity to join forces again and create some brilliant workspaces for Manchester businesses.
“Designs for a building like Beehive are a joy to work on; there’s so much natural fabric from which we’ll be drawing inspiration, and I look forward to unveiling the plans in the near future.”
The 53,600sq ft building was purchased by Urban Splash in March in a swift deal taking just nine working days and is the latest in a long line of acquisitions made by the developer who this past year has also purchased Office Village at Exchange Quay and Eccles Business Park.
