Views sought on proposal for 261-room short-stay scheme close to Gay Village

Local views are being sought on plans to convert a former 1970s office block on the edge of Manchester’s Gay Village into 261 short-stay serviced apartments.

London-based The James is behind the scheme, named Joyce by the James. It wants local residents, businesses and community groups to share their views on its refurbishment plans after it acquired Boulton House in July 2024.

The proposed scheme is in a prime location, at a key gateway to Manchester’s Gay Village, opposite Manchester’s Chorlton Street Coach Station and within walking distance of Piccadilly Station and the Metrolink.

The new offering will combine the comfort of home with the convenience of high-end hospitality. The plans aim to offer outstanding amenity spaces for guests, including a social lounge, outdoor terrace, business lounge, gym and games room for a premium guest experience.

Proposals include:

• Luxury short term serviced apartments with nightly, weekly or extended stays (up to 12 weeks) with flexible booking options
• A professionally managed building with a 24-hour, on-site management team
• Ground floor commercial space to activate the street and support local businesses
• Step-free access to ensure inclusivity for all users
• Zero-parking strategy to promote sustainable travel

A Manchester-based team, including SimpsonHaugh, Deloitte and Font Comms, are advising Joyce by The James and working on a locally responsive scheme which looks to activate and increase the vibrancy of Chorlton Street, Major Street and Bloom Street intersection.

Joyce will aim to create a differentiated high quality visitor experience, fostering a sense of community through the new commercial space at ground floor.

Aron Azouz, co-founder at The James, said: “Joyce by The James will give Boulton House a meaningful role in the life of the future neighbourhood. Our ambition is that through the creative and dynamic refurbishment of the building as it enters the end of its current life cycle, the Joyce remains as a long lasting part of the fabric of Chorlton Street and the Gay Village neighbourhood and makes an improved contribution to the area’s energy, character and identity.”

Grant Sulkin, co-founder at The James, said: “We understand the value of listening to the local community as part of the planning process.

“We want to hear from people who know and love this part of Manchester, their insight will be vital in helping us get this right and we are excited to introduce Joyce by The James to the public.”

The public consultation is now open for feedback and runs until Friday, May 16, 2025.

Joyce’s team will be hosting a drop-in event on Thursday, May 8, 3-7pm at the Boulton House Foyer, 17-21 Chorlton Street, Manchester.

There will also be an online Q&A on Tuesday, May 13, from 6-7pm. Please visit the website at joycebythejames.com to sign up for the online Q&A event and find out more.

The public consultation plans to reach a broad cross section of the local community, with a focus on residents, businesses and LGBTQ+ groups in and around the Gay Village.

All feedback will be considered ahead of a planning application to Manchester City Council later this year.

Following vacant possession of the building at the end of November 2025, and subject to obtaining planning permission, construction would be set to begin in 2026 and Joyce completed and launched into 2027.

The James already operates sites in Liverpool, Manchester, Sheffield and Birmingham.