Thumbs up for £50m conversion of historic mill into apartments

Plans to transform one of Manchester’s largest surviving textile mills at a cost of £50m have been approved by Manchester City Council.

Under proposals from Capital&Centric, Talbot Mill on Ellesmere Street will be restored and converted into 202 new apartments.

Built in 1855, Talbot was a product of Manchester’s textile boom.

The industrial beast spearheaded rapid transformation of the Cornbrook area from undeveloped land to industrial hub during the late 19th century.

Following the restoration, the mill will be returned to its former glory with many original features retained. The apartments, designed by architects shedkm, will be split across the historic mill buildings on Ellesmere Street and a striking new building on Worsley Street.

At the heart of the plans is a central courtyard with pedestrian links to the canal basin.

Following the success of Capital&Centric’s Crusader launch earlier this year – which saw people queuing round the block – Talbot Mill is also going to be sold only to owner occupiers when it’s launched in 2019.

With construction due to start soon, it is expected that the first residents will be able to move in by autumn 2020.

Adam Higgins of Capital&Centric said: “Talbot is one of five mills in Manchester that we are breathing new life into and, as always, the ‘liveability’ factor is massive for us.

“It’s about celebrating the history of the building whilst creating a place for modern living.

“We want to create an amazing neighbourhood where people can get to know each other. That’s why our design is centered on a shared garden courtyard.

“We’ll be giving local people another opportunity to own a piece of Manchester’s history. We think it’ll be pretty cool to say that you live in one of Manchester’s largest surviving textile mills and we can’t wait to get started on restoring it to its former glory.”

Mark Sidebotham of shedkm said: “Over the past four years we have worked together on a number of award winning projects and shedkm are excited to be collaborating with Capital&Centric on Talbot Mill. The transformational regeneration of Manchester’s historic buildings creates vibrant and bold opportunities for new residential communities to grow within the city.”