McCauls transforms Victorian Manchester building into Grade A offices
After a comprehensive refurbishment, the former John Armitage & Son showroom at 32-34 Laystall Street is now ready to be leased as a modern workspace.
Manchester-based developer McCauls has created 5,000 sq ft of offices at the grade two-listed building, the first phase of a wider project to rejuvenate the block. The second phase will see a new-build apartment block come to the corner of Laystall Street and Pigeon Street.
Both elements of McCauls Laystall Street scheme were designed by OMI Architects.
The grade two-listed building dates to 1879. Credit: Paul Karalius
Joe McCaul, director at McCauls, said his team was “thrilled” to finish work restoring the former showroom of the Armitage & Son terracotta business.
“It’s been a great team effort, we’ve worked very closely with our architects and the city council conservation team to restore as much of the original building as possible while creating fantastic, new, office space,” he said.
Work on restoring the structure involved repairing the existing terracotta stonework and restoring the pitch pine floors and structural cast iron columns.
The result is an “exceptional, characterful, unique workspace,” to quote Andrew Cowell, a member of OBI’s transactions and asset management team. OBI is the agent for the Laystall Street project.
Cowell continued: “The space is flexible, available floor by floor or it would make a striking HQ for any business.”
OMI Architects designed the renovation of the former terracotta showroom. Credit: via Ashurst Communications
In addition to the planned-for McCaul apartment complex, 32-34 Laystall Street will be receiving another neighbour in the near future.
Great Places Housing Group is redeveloping the plot behind McCauls restored office block to deliver a nine-storey apartment complex comprising 89 one- and two-bedroom apartments. These would be available for shared ownership and social rent tenures.
“Laystall Street is an excellent location and we look forward to working together with McCauls to deliver its transformation,” said Helen Spencer, executive director of growth at Great Places.
“The project will breathe new life into a local landmark and reinforces our continued commitment to deliver of affordable homes in this area of Manchester alongside our ongoing work close by in Ancoats and New Islington,” she continued.
This CGI shows what Laystall Street will look like when Great Places and McCauls finish their plans. Credit: OMI Architects
The derail in the brickwork of that building is a credit to the original craftsmen. Glad it’s been saved and repurposed. No easy job.
By Anonymous
This is such a Manchester building. It used to be isolated and surrounded by dereliction. It is now in the midst of huge regeneration projects. I am really glad to see it repurposed.
By Elephant
What is that hideous edifice on the corner. Did someome give a lazy intern a go on Autocad?
By Patrick Symmond
A fantastic example of sympathetic repurposing. Congratulations.
By Bernard Fender
Nice project. Well done so far.
By Dr B
Doesn’t look inviting with the caged windows.
By Anonymous
Done a good job
By Anonymous