The James gets ball rolling on redevelopment of Manchester’s Boulton House
Having acquired the 77,000 sq ft office building for just shy of £9m last year, the developer is pressing ahead with plans to convert it into 261 short-stay apartments.
The James bought the building from Palace Capital last July and is now seeking feedback on its plans to repurpose the ageing office block, located on Chorlton Street.
The complex would feature a 24-hour on site management team, a social lounge, outdoor terrace, business lounge, gym, games room, and ground floor commercial space.
In addition, the tired-looking external façade will be given a refresh.
The developer, which owns short-stay blocks in Liverpool, Manchester, and Sheffield, will operate the Boulton House flats under its Joyce by the James brand.
SimpsonHaugh Architects is leading on design and Deloitte is advising on planning.
The James said the asset is ideally located to capitalise on Manchester’s night-time economy and would provide visitors to the city the chance to book for a single night or as long as 12 weeks.
The developer is expected to secure vacant possession of the building at the end of November, and subject to obtaining planning permission, construction would begin in 2026 and complete the following year.
Aron Azouz, co-founder of The James, said: “Joyce by The James will give Boulton House a meaningful role in the life of the future neighbourhood.
“Our ambition is that through the creative and dynamic refurbishment of the building as it enters the end of its current life cycle, the Joyce remains as a long-lasting part of the fabric of Chorlton Street and the Gay Village neighbourhood and makes an improved contribution to the area’s energy, character and identity.”
Fellow co-founder Grant Sulkin, added: “We understand the value of listening to the local community as part of the planning process. We want to hear from people who know and love this part of Manchester, their insight will be vital in helping us get this right and we are excited to introduce Joyce by The James to the public.”
An in-person consultation event will be held at Boulton House from 3pm to 7pm on Thursday 8 May. An online Q&A event will be held from 6pm to 7pm on Tuesday 13 May.
I walk past this every weekday and often wonder what could be done with the site. This seems a great proposal. Approved from me!
By Tom
If good quality materials are used this will look great. Hopefully the coach station will be redeveloped soon. It’s a hideous eyesore!
By Steve
Look like a flat not office building because of the window is exactly the same as other residential building in near Manchester Victoria station. So why not become a residential building which is easy walk to Piccadilly station, Piccadilly garden and gay village it excellent for city local area.
By G J Kitchener
Bit boring
By 3D Chess Player