Relentless fleshes out Abercromby plans

Bringing the entire building into active and viable use as part of the St Michael’s development is front and centre of the historic Sir Ralph Abercromby pub’s proposed refurbishment.

Trailed on their submission in March, the plans have now been validated on Manchester City Council’s planning portal. The Bank Holiday weekend was the last under the pub’s current guise, with the venue now closed for refurbishment.

The professional team includes planner Zerum, architect Hodder + Partners, heritage architect Levrant, Jameson Acoustics, Rachel Hacking Ecology, and TRACE Remedial Building Services. Domis will be the contractor.

Famously, the demolition of the pub was part of the proposals for the highly controversial first iteration of the St Michael’s project, although that aspect was quickly removed as the development team sought a more collegiate way forward.

As Zerum sets out in its planning statement, the use of the building is not changing. “The proposals will retain the fundamental, historic character” of the building in a “sensitive and heritage-led refurbishment”.

With phase one of St Michal’s celebrating a successful opening in November 2025, and phase two now on site with offices being marketed for completion in September 2027, the pub’s revamp, to tie in with phase two, is being put into motion.

Zerum said: “The proposed works are focused on refurbishment of the pub, including, repairing the roof, cleaning and repointing the external façades, new rainwater goods, refurbishing/repairing the windows, and the provision of a new glazed link, all undertaken as sympathetically as possible to the original building.

“Retention and refurbishment is the first line of intervention, if not, replacement in keeping with the original is proposed. The internal works will replace the central staircase from basement to first floor in favour of a more central and refurbish the building internally to the operator’s requirements, and the provision of a new escape door to the west elevation.”

The major change is of course the link, which is described thus: “A glazed-front double height link will be created to the rear between the pub and the ground floor of No 2. St Michaels, which will enable customers to use toilet facilities within the forthcoming W Hotel and allow direct access from the hotel, apartments and office space to the pub, improving vitality and accessibility.”

The drive to make the whole building work includes proposals for a dining room at first floor level of the pub, along with accessible toilets (there will be a lift from the link), while the top floor’s proposed use remains as flexible for now. The ground floor will be reworked, to provide kitchen space, a bar with seating, an extended back room, and accessible toilets.

Although designated as a local heritage asset, the pub is not listed, having been assessed and rejected for listing three times by Historic England. The building as it stands dates mainly from the 1820s, with additions made in the second half of the 20th century.

To learn more, check Manchester City Council’s planning portal, using the reference 145481/FO/2026.