Trendy city district to get Big Apple-style apartments

PLANS for a New York-style mixed use scheme have been put forward for Thomas Street in Manchester’s Northern Quarter.

Real Estate Investment Partnerships is working on proposals which will incorporate restaurant and retail uses at ground and basement level and a selection of one, two and three apartments above, similar to projects in the Big Apple.

After exchanging contracts on the property, Real Estate Investment has appointed Manchester-based 5plus Architects, to create boutique style apartments.

The building at 42-50 Thomas Street, is within the Smithfield Conservation Area and dates back to pre-1793 when it was first used as workers’ housing.

The group of buildings were the first buildings to be constructed on agricultural land in the late 18th Century. The team is retaining listed elements of the building whilst incorporating high quality new build elements.

Steve Slater, director of Real Estate Investment Partnerships said: “This site has so much history that we wanted to ensure we kept as many of the period features as possible whilst giving the building a modern, sleek feel.

“Our aim is to celebrate the heritage elements on the site and to bring the disused façade of the building back to life.

“We have tasked the architects with creating a space where people will have a real desire to live and they have achieved this. We look forward to seeing our vision come to life over the next 12 months.”

Jon Matthews, director at 5plus Architects: “We work in the Northern Quarter and we are constantly beguiled by its uniqueness. The alternative culture in and around Thomas Street demands an alternative type of building. Hopefully our emerging plans will do this justice.”

A planning application will be submitted to Manchester City Council soon.
 
Ward Hadaway acted for Real Estate Investment Partnerships.