Urban Splash’s Stubbs Mill to become offices

The developer has appointed Sixtwo Architects on the refurbishment of the former machine works in New Islington, Manchester.

Sixtwo will now start design work with Urban Splash to deliver up to 30,000 sq ft of flexible commercial workspace within the warehouse, which is next to the Ashton Canal.

Urban Splash said the scheme will be "a new type of office space with a raw industrial feel".

The team will complete a feasibility study and is expected to start on site in 2015.

Stubbs Mill was previously used for the making and assembly of machinery for the cotton warehouses in New Islington and Ancoats, and has been vacant for some time.

The building was acquired by Urban Splash in 2003 and in 2008 plans were announced for a residential and commercial development of the building, worked up by Hacienda designer Ben Kelly. However the scheme stalled during the recession.

Tom Bloxham, chairman of Urban Splash, said: "Stubbs Mill is a scheme we have had for some time and our decision to restart its development shows a strong sign of confidence in the market. As there is a substantial amount of residential space at New Islington, we feel that this commercial offer will work well in creating a true mixed-use community."

Nick Moss, director and co-founder of Sixtwo, said: "As a Manchester-based practice we are passionate about the delivery of high-quality architectural solutions in our city and Stubbs Mill represents an opportunity to deliver a truly unique office space in this thriving part of town. The brief is just what gets us excited and this, coupled with the building itself, means we can't wait to get going."

Sixtwo was launched by directors Nick Moss and Andrew Edmunds in 2012. Current projects include the Lightbox scheme in Wirral and the refurbishment of the 12 Tithebarn office in Liverpool city centre, both for Capital & Centric.