VIDEO | One year to go until Kampus completion

Two years into the £250m [pin url=”https://explore.deetu.com/pnw/#kampus”][/pin]Kampus’ three-year construction programme, developers Capital & Centric and Henry Boot Developments have updated on progress across the central Manchester site.

Kampus, currently under construction at Aytoun Street, is the redevelopment of a former Manchester Metropolitan University site into a new neighbourhood with 533 apartments, two gardens, bars, restaurants and shops. The scheme was designed by Mecanoo, with Chapman Taylor progressing with the project as delivery architect, and Exterior Architecture advising as landscape architect.

Contractor Mount Anvil has been on site for over two years, with the project on track to complete in 2020.

There are a mix of building being refurbished or constructed on site.

Minto & Turner and Minshull House, two grade two-listed Victorian shipping warehouses are being converted into loft-style apartments with commercial uses on the ground floor.

According to Capital & Centric and Henry Boot, Minto & Turner has been completely stripped out with the roof removed and the slate tiles repaired and replaced. The building is being converted into 17 apartments with front doors onto Little David Street

At Minshull House, roof repairs are under way and internal works have started to form the apartments and ground floor commercial units.

Adam Brady, director at Henry Boot, said: “Every day we’re discovering little snippets of history as we remove decades of dirt and layers of paint from the buildings. We found some amazing historical gems, such as a cast iron hydraulic packing press and weighing machine, which we’re keeping, and we’re exposing the original brickwork and cast-iron columns. So, it’ll really feel like you’re stepping back in time.”

Also being developed at Kampus is The Stack, a former Manchester Met tower which is being converted into 123 apartments. Three floors have been added to the original 12 storeys, a new façade is being built and work to the apartments is under way.

Adam Higgins, co-founder of Capital & Centric, said: “We’ve kept what we can, even when that’s made things a bit more difficult. Most people assumed we’d demolish the 1960s tower but it’s part of Manchester’s history and we think it adds to Kampus’ charm and authenticity. Plus, we actually think it’s a great example of how brutalist architecture can be beautiful. We’ve stripped the building right back to reveal the awesome waffle slab ceilings which will be staying as a striking design feature in the new apartments, bars and restaurants.”

Alongside the buildings that are being restored are two new-build towers, North and South block. Each are 15 storeys, and total 352 apartments. Both have now reached full height, with some apartments nearing completion. There are also 10 Dutch houses being built along the roof of the blocks.

Landscaping on a central garden at Kampus is due to start in September.

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