Second phase of cotton mill refurbishment is under way

The second phase of a £1m refurbishment of a former Manchester cotton mill is under way.

The scheme at Grade II listed Chatham Mill on Chester Street will create a further 3,800sq ft of modern office space on the ground floor.

Working on behalf of owner Span Group, Atelier MB also designed the first phase, covering 5,000 sq ft, which was completed in December.

WilsonCooke, a brand, digital and marketing agency, took the space for its new studio, advised by Savills.

Andrew Burns, managing director of Atelier MB, said the second phase, involving the refurbishment of two adjacent buildings, would provide office accommodation for up to 40 people.

The first phase involved stripping out partitions and paring back other later aspects of the building fabric to expose original cast-iron columns and beams and original finishes to the walls, timber floors and ceilings.

Other interior works included the installation of new heating, lighting, electricity, a shower room and toilets, and glazed partitions to form an attractive corridor leading to the new office space.

The loading bay was converted into a new, double-height entrance with disabled access.

Andrew said: “The entire project is designed to enable the new occupiers to really appreciate the building in its raw form, drawing on the energy and aesthetics of the historic mill, with a new entrance that gives a great sense of arrival at stimulating workspaces which are full of character.

“The second phase is a similar undertaking to the first, involving the refurbishment of the two buildings to the same standard and retaining original features.

“Once finished, the new offices will appeal to up-and-coming businesses in Manchester’s burgeoning creative, digital and media sector seeking to establish a base in a superb location.”

The project is due to be completed later this year. The letting agent is Edwards & Co.

Chatham Mill, was built in 1820 and the ground floor was previously used as a warehouse by an importer of fancy goods. The building is near the city centre and the University of Manchester.

Atelier MB was established in 2013 by chairman Ray Makin and managing director Andrew Burns.

It has its headquarters in Manchester city centre and an office in Hereford.

The practice provides architectural and building design services along with site appraisals, contract administration and interior design.