Transformation lays foundation for 89-apartment development
Manchester-based developer, McCauls, has completed the transformation of the Grade II-listed Armitage Showroom at 32-34 Laystall Street, located just off Great Ancoats Street, into 5,000 sq ft of into high quality office space.
Working in partnership with OMI Architects, Manchester City Council and the conservation officer, McCauls has retained, restored and enhanced many of the building’s original and ornate fixtures and fittings including the pitch pine floors, terracotta stonework, ground floor to first level staircase, structural cast iron columns and beams, as well as the window frames.
Features such as the mechanical hoist frame and the original loading doors have been uplifted to retain the character of the building, which dates to 1879.
The gates to the former showroom have been replaced with new iron gates. The new gates sit in front of new glazing creating a striking feature for the ground floor. New timber doors have been made to match the originals. On the outside the original terracotta has been repaired and the original Armitage & Son lettering uncovered and restored.
Laystall Street interior
Director, Joe McCaul, said: “It’s been a great team effort, we’ve worked very closely with our architects and the city council conservation team to restore as much of the original building as possible while creating fantastic, new, office space.”
OBI is sole agent for the space on behalf of McCauls. Andrew Cowell, transactions and asset management, said: “The restoration of Laystall Street has created exceptional, characterful, unique workspace close to Ancoats and New Islington as well as Piccadilly. The space is flexible, available floor by floor or it would make a striking HQ for any business.”
There are two other phases of the project to come at Laystall Street. McCauls is planning to create a small apartment block, designed by OMI Architects, on the corner of Laystall Street and Pigeon Street.
To the rear of the showroom, Great Places Housing Group plans to build a new nine-storey residential development configured in a horseshoe around a landscaped courtyard. The 89 one- and two-bed apartments will offer a mix of shared ownership and social rent.
Helen Spencer, executive director of growth, Great Places Housing Group, said: “Laystall Street is an excellent location and we look forward to working together with McCauls to deliver its transformation. The project will breathe new life into a local landmark and reinforces our continued commitment to delivery of affordable homes in this area of Manchester alongside our ongoing work close by in Ancoats and New Islington.”
