First dibs for Mancunians at Crusader Mill

Some 20 loft homes at the historic Crusader Mill near Manchester’s Piccadilly Station have gone on sale with developer Capital&Centric giving priority to local buyers.

A statement from C&C said: “These (properties) are solely for those who want to own and live in a piece of this city’s fabric. Safe to say, overseas investors needn’t apply.

“It isn’t just any property.  The iconic mill, built around 1830, will keep its charm.  High ceilings, exposed ironwork and generous proportions will all be retained as the formidable symbol of Manchester’s textile story takes on new life as a bustling neighbourhood.”

The cluster of buildings, off Chapeltown Street, envelope a central courtyard where dwellers will come together around BBQs and fire pits.

Buyers first in the queue can also expect original brickwork, spaces flooded with light and a centuries-old canvas to make their own.  No white boxes here.

Capital&Centric is expecting high demand for the 20 first releases, which start from £165,000.

Adam Higgins of CAPITAL&CENTRIC said:“We’re the custodians of Crusader and we owe it to Manchester to create something special.  Again and again, people who want to live in this city miss out.  Properties are marketed overseas or are snapped up by investors before people even know about them – no wonder they’re frustrated.  Something needs to change and it starts with Crusader.

“We know people want to own their piece of Manchester history and that they want spaces that will make their mates bloody jealous.   Crusader will deliver this by the bucket-load.”

Tim Heatley of CAPITAL&CENTRIC said: “The first Crusader apartments are a chance to show what we’re made of.  We’ll be setting a benchmark for sensitive restoration of the North’s looming industrial treasures.

“Crusader will be all about creating a community – with a city centre garden at the heart of the mill.  People don’t want to live in isolated little boxes anymore, they want to be part of a place they call home.”