Historic Manchester textile mill lined up for flats

Developer Views has revealed its £16m plans to turn the grade two-listed building at 42 Bloom Street into 39 apartments.

The £16m figure is the project’s estimated gross development value, according to a viability statement by Northern Land Agency. The consultant predicts that the scheme would cost £7.4m to build, with the plot having a benchmark land value of £3m.

The mill in question dates to 1880 and has changed hands multiple times. Notably, cotton manufacturer and calico printer Simpon & Godlee acquired it in 1891. The building’s lower and upper ground floor, as well as its first floor, was home to Essential Nightclub from 2000 to 2014. They have been vacant since.

The upper floors were in use as a textile warehouse through 2021.

Nick Wiggans, senior asset manager at Views, described the mill as a “gem of a building”.

“We aim to breathe new life into this piece of Manchester’s industrial history and return it to its former glory, while bringing it up to a standard of living Manchester has come to expect,” Wiggans said.

“These new homes will appeal to professionals in the city, who are looking for a unique and considerately designed place to live that celebrates the building’s past and is curated for comfortable and convenient living,” he continued.

Architect Fletcher Rae’s design pays homage to the building’s history. They retain various aspects of the building, including fixed machinery and a hoist. Views will also restore the building’s original doors and windows as part of its plans.

The loading bay off Bloom Street will become the apartment building’s main entrance.

The apartments themselves would have between one and three bedrooms and range from 508 sq ft to 1,000 sq ft.

“Working with Views on 42 Bloom Street has already been a great journey with the building forever revealing its historic, architectural details,” said John Clarke, director at Fletcher Rae.

“As well as the design of each individual apartment, we are paying great attention to the resident’s journey through the building from the grand new entrance all the way to their apartment front door, so they are part of this unique property without it feeling like they’re living in a museum,” he continued.

The proposals include cycle storage. There is no affordable housing proposed or parking.

In addition to Fletcher Rae and Northern Land Agency, the project team includes planner Ashton Hale, structural engineer Renaissance, heritage consultant Turley, and M&E advisor NOVO.

To learn more about the project, search application reference numbers 143562/FO/2025 and 143563/LO/2025 on Manchester City Council’s planning portal.