New Gay Village neighbourhood

A joint venture between Capital & Centric and Henry Boot Developments, the partnership is working together to create a distinctive new neighbourhood for Manchester city centre. 

The second phase of the project encompasses two derelict nineteenth century former warehouse buildings, Minto & Turner and Minshull House, listed for their historical interest. They benefit from many original features that have survived intact. It will also see the opening of Little David Street to the public once again after several decades of restricted access. 

Following sensitive restoration to preserve as many of the buildings’ original features as possible, Minto & Turner and Minshull House will provide 59 characterful loft apartments along with circa 14,000 sq ft commercial space. The commercial units will open onto Little David Street and a new, south-facing square off Chorlton Street, offering truly standout space for leisure occupiers. 

A fascinating, long forgotten space, Little David Street runs between the two buildings and is thought to be one of the only untouched cobbled streets in Manchester. An important part of the Kampus neighbourhood, it will be a place to meet, socialise and enjoy the best independent bars and restaurants Manchester has to offer.

Adam Brady of Henry Boot Developments, said: “At Kampus we have the opportunity to create something genuinely standout for the city, something completely new. These two buildings – and the reopening of Little David Street – are central to our plans. 

“What we don’t want at Kampus is more ‘me too’ warehouse apartments – we’ll be working hard to retain as many original features as we can, including those that would pose too much of a challenge for many other developers. The end-result will be an amazing fusion of old and new to create something really special.

“The original features will be a reference point to the past which, coupled with our plans for the rest of the scheme and the more contemporary architecture and design, will contribute to the creation of a very distinct, unique neighbourhood.” 

Phase one comprises 478 build-to-rent apartments, along with 30,000 sq ft retail and leisure space on the ground and first floors, beneath two 12-16 storey new buildings including a “rooftop village”. The scheme will also include the refurbishment of the existing 1960s former Aytoun Tower. The focal point of the scheme will be sought-after green space, including the secret garden.

Mount Anvil began enabling works for the first phase of the scheme last month. Phase one is due to be ready for occupation by 2020.

Deloitte is advising on planning, while the architect for phase two of the scheme is Shed KM.

Thanks to Emma Mccallum

Published: 16-Mar-2017: (4173)