PH Property picks up central Manchester building for resi conversion
Fresh plans to convert the upper floors of the Equitable Building off St Ann’s Square have been lodged after HBD sold the building.
PH Property has submitted an application to redevelop the second and third floors, previously occupied by Habitat, into 11 apartments. The developer also wants to create a rooftop extension that will deliver a penthouse flat.
Meanwhile, jeweller David M Robinson, which currently occupies part of the ground floor retail space at the Equitable Building, plans to expand into the 7,000 sq ft first floor, according to plans lodged with Manchester City Council.
Iceni is advising PH on planning and JB+CO is the architect.
To learn more, search for reference number 141994/FO/2025 on Manchester City Council’s planning portal.
HBD bought the Equitable Building in 2017. Working with architect Northmill Associates, HBD lodged plans to convert the building into 23 apartments and 3,400 sq ft of retail space in 2019.
Manchester City Council approved that application subject to a Section 106 agreement that was not signed. The application was withdrawn earlier this year.
HBD put the upper three floors of the building up for sale in 2023, appointing Christopher Dee to find a buyer.
Did HBD make money on this? A really great spot for a high end development.
By Simon
They’ll be posh (expensive) apartments. Breakfast at 9am, nip downstairs for a Rolex at 10.
By Anonymous
I used to work in this building. At the time, the smartest building on the most fashionable square. Hope that description might apply again one day.
By Anonymous