First glimpse inside iconic London Road Fire Station

THE doors of the iconic London Road Fire Station building in central Manchester were open to the public for the first time in nearly 30 years to showcase new owner Allied London’s plans to turn it into an international destination.

Chief executive Michael Ingall unveiled plans for a boutique hotel of between 90 and 120, 36 apartments, restaurants, a cinema and  New York-style digital art gallery centred around a central courtyard, part of which will be dug out to create a multi-purpose event space.

Up to 1,500 people turned up for the open day event – the first of its kind since Allied London took ownership of the building in March.

A temporary planning application has been lodged with Manchester City Council in order for the useable parts of the building brought be to life  with pop up uses, including temporary exhibitions, galleries, bars, and events for the community and facilities for the homeless.

Ingall said: “A catalyst for transformation, with a past steeped in heritage and stunning architecture, every single aspect of the project will be of the highest quality.

“Allied London will use the fabric of the building in its original form to create a new kind of space for Manchester.”

And he described the building within a stone’s throw of Piccadilly Station as an important new destination for Manchester, redefining a new doorway to the city.

“London Road will be a place of experience, a voice to London and the rest of the world, with an international collective of world class operators, interesting brands and innovative hospitality,” said Ingall.

“Over five floors, London Road will become ‘One Space’ – one collaborative destination with a multitude of aspects; including a hotel, signature restaurant, destination bar, event/leisure space, workspace, visitor attraction and spa to name but a few.”

Ingall told visitors it was planned to hold a event at London Road at least once a month.

“I want to bring the build alive over the summer,” he said. “But we’re limited in those areas we can use. It’s due to the fabric and the fact we haven’t got a clean bill of health on parts of the building and wouldn’t to take risk.

“We’re currently talking to planners and engaging with various other bodies including English Heritage and Historic England. We’ve got our first consultation with them next week.

“Our very broad vision is to try to create a place of experience. That is the sort of philosophy we want all the operators who come in here to embrace.”