Morris Homes to knock down and rebuild Linotype Works

The engine room at the former factory on the Bridgewater Canal in Broadheath, Altrincham, which was due to be turned into apartments, has to be demolished and reconstructed following an investigation into its structural integrity. 

Founded in 1897, the Linotype and Machinery Company produced machines for printing newspapers. The development site comprises the chimney of the old engine room and the main power house building. 

As part of its plan to create apartments, Morris Homes wants to build a modern three-storey apartment block to link the chimney and the main powerhouse building. The original buildings that connected these two structures were demolished as part of the housebuilder’s initial proposals. 

The buildings between the chimney and the main power building have already been demolished

Under Morris’ initial proposals, the distinctive power house building would have been retained and converted into flats. 

However, a report from structural engineer Atkinson Peck found that the building is unsuitable for conversion and recommended it be carefully taken down and rebuilt, reusing as much of the original material as possible. 

Once complete, the revised scheme will provide 18 apartments. 

The architect for the project is Calderpeel Architects.