AC1 agrees terms to finish One Victoria

Zentra Group has signed a replacement building contract with the firm to complete a 129-apartment Manchester development following the administration of former main contractor Torsion Construction.

Torsion’s impending downfall was signalled in July, with the Yorkshire firm live on a number of sites across the North. Zentra said at that point that was in talks with a potential replacement contractor.

The Manchester-headquartered developer has now formally appointed AC1 as principal contractor through to completion, with practical completion currently expected in December 2026.

AC1 assumed control of the site on 30 July under a letter of intent, immediately following the termination of Torsion Construction’s contract. Since then, the contractor has been working alongside Zentra, the project’s funder and wider professional team to maintain progress on site while detailed contractual arrangements and a revised construction programme were finalised.

Located between Great Ducie Street and Mirabel Street, One Victoria is now at an advanced stage of construction. Zentra said the swift transition to AC1 enabled works to continue without significant disruption and has allowed Zentra to stay on progamme aiming for a Q4 finish.

Jason Upton, chief executive of Zentra Group, said: “Our priority has been to protect the delivery of One Victoria and minimise disruption for purchasers. We appointed AC1 under a letter of intent to ensure works could continue while the detailed contractual arrangements were finalised. That decision allowed the project to maintain momentum and keep us on track towards completion.

“Signing the full building contract marks an important milestone for One Victoria. The development is now at an advanced stage, we have a clear route through the remaining works and practical completion is currently expected in December.”

AC1 also agreed terms with TAG Developments this summer to deliver a 144-bed Ibis Style hotel in Chester. Other firms in the group’s client roster include Capital&Centric and Blacklight Capital Partners.

Zentra said that of the 129 apartments at One Victoria, 105 have exchanged contracts and a further seven are reserved, leaving only 17 homes available.

Upton added: “It’s encouraging that buyer confidence has remained strong throughout this period. Our focus is now firmly on completing the development and delivering the homes our purchasers have invested in.

“The administration of a principal contractor inevitably creates challenges for any development. I would like to thank AC1, our funder and the wider professional team for the collaborative approach they have taken over recent weeks, which has enabled us to manage the transition quickly and maintain progress towards completion.”