Planning application lodged for redevelopment of city centre building

Henry Boot Developments has submitted planning permission for the redevelopment of Manchester city centre’s Equitable Building.

Situated within the St Ann’s Square conservation area and opposite the Grade I-listed church, the late 19th century building benefits from a prime retail pitch onto the square, with several high-profile tenants currently occupying the ground-floor units.

Under the planning proposals submitted this week, the ground floor of the 28,500 sq ft building will remain retail-led, with the upper floors undergoing a sensitive, but extensive, refurbishment process.

The upper floors, currently empty following the departure of retailer Habitat, will be remodelled to create 23 high-specification apartments.

Tom Dunn, of Henry Boot Developments’ Manchester office, said: “We are really looking forward to bringing Equitable back to life.

“St Ann’s Square is a great place to live, in a car-free living environment.

“We will be undertaking a careful restoration – the 23 apartments we’re creating are spacious, with each one uniquely designed from top to bottom.”

The firm currently has several, high-profile live developments within Manchester’s city core, including Kampus, a £250m mixed-use scheme, The Silk Works, and the Island Site.

Its Manchester business has grown significantly in recent years, with the firm investing heavily in the city.