Residential development starts at historic Mills site

MANCHESTER Life Development Company and GRAHAM Construction have marked the start of development works at Murrays’ Mills in the Ancoats area of Manchester.

Over the next 18 months the historic site will be transformed into 124 one, two and three bedroom homes for sale.

The Mills’ place in the history of Manchester’s cotton industry and their presence in Ancoats make the development central to the broader regeneration of the area, and provides a unique opportunity to live in an important part of Manchester’s heritage, say the partners.
 
The guiding principle for the development has been to preserve many of the Mills’ 19th century features and create a unique living experience.

The historic canal basin will form the centre of a landscaped courtyard, with every apartment individually designed to make the most of the building’s features, along with interior layouts, finishes and on-site facilities to create attractive homes in the heart of Ancoats.
 
GRAHAM Construction is the main contractor for Murrays’ Mills and has a proven track record of working on high-profile developments of historical importance, and are already continuing the extensive restoration work already undertaken to protect its character.

Representatives from GRAHAM Construction and Manchester Life Development Company, including executive chairman Marty Edelman, were joined by leader of Manchester City Council Sir Richard Leese to mark the start of construction.

Marty Edelman, executive chairman of Manchester Life Development Company, said: “Today is an important moment for Manchester Life Development Company and all our partners involved in the development of this unique site.
 
“We have undertaken extensive heritage and community consultations along with planning and design work in partnership with leading firms from the real-estate development industry, and we are now resolutely focused on delivering a truly special development that Manchester can be proud of.”
 
Gary Hughes, Regional Director at GRAHAM Construction, said: “As a leader in heritage and restoration projects, we understand the need for balance between creating modern, aspirational homes and keeping the character and history of the building alive.

“Manchester Life is a tremendous vision and GRAHAM Construction is proud to be involved in such a progressive and unique project.”

Sir Richard Leese, Leader of Manchester City Council, said: “The transformation of Murrays’ Mills is a significant milestone in Ancoats’ emergence as a desirable and vibrant neighbourhood.
“It is a brilliant way to address the demand for central accommodation in way that preserves and carefully evolves our former industrial areas.”

Murrays’ Mills is one of six Ancoats and New Islington sites that form the first phase of Manchester Life, which through developing homes for sale and rent, and integrating commercial and communal spaces across the sites, is helping to drive the emergence of the area as a vibrant community on the eastern fringe of Manchester city centre.
 
As part of Phase One, Manchester Life has developed an Advanced Apprenticeship scheme in partnership with The Manchester College – the Murrays’ Mills construction team will include a number of local apprentices, enabling them to gain substantial industry experience.

Murrays’ Mills sales will launch in the second half of 2016 and will be ready for occupation by Autumn 2017.