£50m scheme hatched to convert historic mill into 202 apartments

How Talbot Mill could look

One of Manchester’s largest surviving mills is to be restored by developer  Capital&Centric in a £50m scheme.

Plans to convert the semi-derelict Talbot Mill into 202 apartments have now submitted to Manchester City Council.

The development will total around 175,000sq ft with apartments, designed by architects ShedKM, split across the historic mill buildings on Ellesmere Street and a new building on Worsley Street.

The move marks the next chapter for the formidable building. Built in 1855, Talbot was a product of the textile boom and industrial expansion of Manchester.

It was one of the earliest textile mills to be built on Ellesmere Street, spearheading rapid transformation of the Cornbrook area from undeveloped land to industrial hub during the late 19th century.

Film footage recently unearthed from the turn of the 20th century sees mill workers flooding out of the entrance after a day’s graft.

Now a century later, crowds will again descend on Talbot. The future will see new residents gather in the central courtyard – set to become a large central hangout space with pedestrian links to the canal basin.

The design will see much of the mill’s features retained. Removal of a central staircase will pave way for link bridges between properties, while protruding bay windows (oriels) will add a contemporary touch to the building’s historic brick face.

Available to buy, it’s anticipated the first residents will be furnishing their new homes by 2020.

Tim Heatley, of  Capital&Centric, said: “Talbot is a stunning example of Manchester’s industrial heritage – something the city is quite rightly proud of. Our plans build on the structure’s inherent beauty and create a neighbourhood centred on a shared courtyard garden.

“The essence of a building is in its original features. Our first priority with all our projects is to keep what we can. It’s an essential part of honouring the stories of the thousands of people who’ve passed through Talbot’s doors across the decades.

“We’ve worked with talented designers to make sure the new and old sit well together.”

Adam Higgins, also of Capital&Centric, said: “We’ve seen from the launch of Crusader Mill that there’s pent-up demand from people who want to live in beautiful, design-led homes in prime city locations.

“Talbot’s restoration will create a modern community in a historic setting, with unique architectural touches and high quality finishes. It’ll mean residents can say they live in one of Manchester’s largest surviving textile mills, without scrimping on style and home comforts.”

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