Plans for Sevendale House submitted

The Grade II-listed Sevendale House in Stevenson Square within the Northern Quarter in Manchester city centre is set to undergo a £6m refurbishment.

Philip J Davies Holdings, owners of the building, has now lodged a planning application to Manchester City Council detailing its proposals.

The property dates back to 1903 and offers five upper floors, capable of accommodating 61,500 sq ft of future office requirements with floor plates of 14,500 sq ft.

According to Mark Davies, director of Philip J Davies, the long term plan was to wait for several lease expiries to occur before carrying out the investment that aims to preserve and restore the property's features.

Davies said: "This is our first opportunity in 25 years to carry out the long awaited renaissance of this significant building which will also enhance the attractions of the Northern Quarter to office users requiring good quality space in a great location with competitive overheads.

"The Northern Quarter's close proximity to Piccadilly and the business/financial core of the city gives us great confidence in terms of what we can offer here to augment Manchester's office provision to companies of all sizes. Whether it is the creative industries that gravitate to this area or professional service companies that need cost effective offices centrally situated, if this consent is granted, we are on target to provide this by March 2012."

Dominic Horridge, building consultancy partner at OBI Property, adds: "On behalf of our client, we have worked closely with both Manchester City Council and English Heritage over the past months on this important application and believe we have their support and confidence in our client's ability and commitment to deliver this project.

" Philip J Davies (Holdings) PLC has assembled an excellent project team including Crookes Walker Consulting and Tier Consulting and Architectural History Practice with major input from our architects Stephenson Bell who fully understand the unique needs of this building and the complexities of its refurbishment."

Roger Stephenson, from Stephenson Bell, said: "Its refurbishment presents us with many challenges including the intention to reintroduce the original lightwell which Manchester City Council's archive records show was part of its original design and planning consent. This will run from the first to the fourth floor of Sevendale House and ultimately provide the building with superb natural daylight to illuminate the office space we create."

The planning application will be considered in early March 2011.