Capital&Centric submits plans for Neptune Mill HQ

Dating back to the 1860s, the grade two-listed warehouse could be converted to feature 22,000 sq ft of creative workspace off Chapeltown Street in Manchester’s emerging Piccadilly East neighbourhood.

Capital&Centric’s plans for Neptune Mill would see the creation of office space across the top four floors. The developer intends to occupy the first floor of the regenerated mill as its new headquarters.

Jonathan Davidson Architects designed the scheme, which also includes plans for a social hub, network space, and a coffee bar or deli to be delivered on the ground floor.

Designs would showcase the 19th-century building’s original features of red brickwork and timber beams.

Adam Higgins, co-founder of Capital&Centric, said: “Neptune Mill will have all the hallmarks of a classic Capital&Centric project, design-led restoration mixing the old with the new.

“It’ll be a collaborative space for ambitious businesses that want an alternative to the new build office blocks in other parts of the city.”

Due to the building’s city centre location and the availability of on-street parking, no additional car parking spaces would be provided. However, 14 cycle spaces would be available on site.

Avison Young is the planning consultant for the scheme. Graeme Ives provided the heritage statement.

Formerly known as Chapeltown Mill, Neptune Mill was built as the final phase of the Crusader Works complex. Now vacant, the site has previously been used as a packing warehouse and, more recently, offices.

Capital&Centric completed its conversion of the neighbouring warehouse, Crusader, into 126 flats last year.

Higgins said: “Neptune Mill is the next piece of the jigsaw and something a bit different, introducing quality workspaces to the neighbourhood and a café-bar or deli for the increasing amount of people living here.”

Subject to approval, work is planned to start on-site later this year, with workspaces expected to be available for occupants in late 2024.

To find out more about the plans for Neptune Mill, search for application number 136865/FO/2023 on Manchester City Council’s planning portal.

The listed building application can be found by searching for application number 136866/LO/2023.