Vision to create ‘world tourist attraction’ at London Road

PLANS to turn the iconic former London Road Fire Station in Manchester into an international attraction have been unveiled by its new owner – developer Allied London.

But campaigners who battled to save the Edwardian building are being consulted over how the building can best be restored to public use.

Allied London chief executive Michael Ingall hosted meeting attended by many of the campaigners and interested parties at the Old Granada Studios last night.

Launching the consultation process called Create London Road, Ingall – the man behind Manchester acclaimed Spinningfields development and the coming St John’s project nearby – said: “We see this building as a catalyst for what might happen in that part of the city.

“There will be tensions between us (the campaigners, interested parties and the developer), as we work together  and that might be around the building’s commerciality.

“But I see the building as an international attraction – a potential voice to the world for Manchester because it is growing as an international city.

“There will be tension between that aspiration and local considerations.”
However, Ingall dispelled any fears Allied London were intent on making wholesale changes to the building.

“I like the fact it’s deteriorating because it shows all its features,” he said. “What you are starting with is the original building.

“If it had been decorated in the 80s and 90s, we wouldn’t have it as is it is today. We bought it because we love it as it is inside. Our vision to create a place and we are not intending to create one big hotel. We are developers, but first and foremost we are place makers.”

Development plans will centre around a possible museum and tourist attraction, heritage and history, arts and performance and space will be provided for independent businesses.

Ingall alluded to a lack of commercial art galleries in Manchester – only three at the moment – saying that “second cities” in other countries have 40 to 50 commercial galleries.

Allied London only take official ownership of the building on March 1. Ingall is hoping to have some idea of the scheme in April before a planning application is presented in August or September of 2016.

“I think there is at least 12 to 15 months’ work to be done,” he said. “But we are looking to see something operating in the building by the end of 2017.”