Mixed-use development adds to vibrant regeneration of Ancoats

A nine-storey residential and workspace development in Manchester city centre has been completed.
Manchester-based Northern Group has delivered the mixed-use, build-to-rent property One Silk Street in the heart of the former industrial powerhouse of Ancoats, an area that has benefitted greatly from the group’s regeneration works.
Northern Group says the building juxtaposes its heritage-honouring design with modern city centre living and, flexible, affordable office spaces.
Made up of 70% high specification residential apartments and 30% modern coworking spaces, One Silk Street’s design was carefully considered through feedback from technical consultants, input from heritage experts and extensive dialogue with Manchester City Council.
The development adds to the property management company’s growing number of large scale residential and commercial properties in the city centre, which includes Flint Glass Wharf, Ice Plant and Jactin House.
Northern Group has built and operated many of the well known buildings that have aided Ancoats’ recent revival – a movement which the group kickstarted, turning it into one of Manchester’s most sought-after neighbourhoods.
Aimed at the city’s young professionals, One Silk Street’s coworking spaces are managed by Northern Group’s sister company Colony. In a uniquely collaborative approach to the project, Colony designed the commercial spaces and the working experience it offers members, which Northern Group made a reality. One Silk Street becomes the fourth Colony site that the Northern Group has delivered.
Colony properties host networking events, featuring interactive sessions to encourage community and collaboration between tenants and rooftop yoga for mental and physical wellbeing.
One Silk Street represents Northern Group’s second largest city centre development, totalling 110,000 sq ft, including a 10,000 sq ft roof terrace.
Paul Dobbs, chief operating officer at Northern Group, said: “Demand in the city vastly outweighs the supply of build-to-rent properties, despite Manchester being one of the UK’s biggest build-to-rent hotspots. It makes One Silk Street an important addition for the city’s plethora of creatives and independent businesses, delivering modern working facilities for the next generation of Manchester enterprises.”
One Silk Street commercial space
He added: “Ancoats is a greatly improving and unique area. Its important facilities like One Silk Street exist to support its professional residents and establish an inclusive community.”
The development offers important amenities for the working environment, including 21 car parking spaces and five EV charging points. Safe and secure bike storage facilities accommodate sustainable travel for commercial tenants and residents, alongside 27 storage units.
One Silk Street’s office space is now 77% occupied, with the rest of the Colony portfolio 80-95% occupied, highlighting the demand for workspaces in the city.