Phase one of historic building restoration complete
THE first stage of the restoration at the historic Mackie Mayor building in Manchester’s Northern Quarter is complete.
Muse Developments, in partnership with Manchester City Council, is carrying out the work on the Grade II-listed building on Swan Street.
It is the only remaining fully intact building from the former Smithfield market.
Opened in 1858, it was originally used as a fresh produce market, but had lain empty since the early 1990s.
National developer and urban regeneration specialist, Muse, appointed contractor Galliford Try to undertake this first stage of works to restore the building to its former glory and appeal to potential occupiers.
This included installing a new roof, replacement slates, extensive refurbishment and replacement of the stonework, as well as internal refurbishment and decoration.
The wider Smithfield regeneration scheme has been delivered, in partnership with Manchester City Council, over seven phases throughout the past 14 years.
It has delivered more than 350 apartments, the Crowne Plaza and Holiday Inn Express hotels and more than 30,000 sq ft of ground floor space accommodating 12 new businesses, including the popular Bluu Bar.
The award-winning first phase included the refurbishment of the former historic fishmarket walls and created a large public courtyard framed by new and old buildings.
Its penultimate phase, the striking One Smithfield Square, a 10-storey residential building comprising 77 apartments, was recently crowned Best Apartment Building at The Sunday Times British Homes Awards.
Wes Erlam, development director at Muse Developments, said: “The completion of the Mackie Mayor restoration marks the final piece of the jigsaw in our wider Smithfield regeneration scheme.
“The project has transformed an important part of the city centre, improving the physical environment, creating new homes and commercial space and boosting the wider revitalisation of the Northern Quarter.
“By undertaking the first stage of the Mackie Mayor’s renovation we have allowed the building’s unique charm to shine through.
Sir Richard Leese, leader of Manchester City Council, said: “Smithfield has been a significant site throughout Manchester’s history and the sensitive conservation of some of the buildings has been key to the success of the regeneration in this area.
“Where it has not been possible to restore original buildings, the direction for development has been bold, marrying the old and new seamlessly, and to great effect.”
