Armitage HQ open for business

THE new Armitage Construction headquarters – converted from a former electricity sub-station and two terraced houses in Ancoats – had its official opening this week.

Historian and author Anthony Rea gave the North West’s oldest surviving family-run building company a warm Italian-style welcome when he cut the ribbon to declare their new headquarters open for business.

Anthony, 54, a third generation member of the famous Rea ice-cream family and author of  ‘Manchester’s Little Italy’, who had grown up among the terraced streets of Ancoats, adjoining the city centre, said the sympathetic Armitage Construction development was totally in-keeping with the history of the area and would be much appreciated by residents.

In his speech he talked about the impact on the community following the arrival of Italian families in the 19th Century, like his own ancestors, who set up homes and businesses and for the next 100 years created what has become known as ‘Ancoats Little Italy’.

Many of Manchester’s city based entrepreneurs, building industry professionals and leading members of the Italian community were welcomed to the event by the sounds of Northern Soul music and themed cocktails.

Daniel and Andrea Armitage are now the fifth generation family members to run the £10m turnover business, which employs 45 people.

They said the company had remained loyal to its 143-year-old reputation and ethos by taking the existing building and re-using as many of the original features as possible during the restoration.