Watch This Space unveils Manchester heritage conversion
Having bought Bridgewater House from Renaker last year, the developer is now progressing plans to transform the grade two-listed building into apartments.
Working with Snook Architects, Watch This Space is applying to refurbish the existing Great Jackson Street building and deliver a new-build, four-storey apartment block on part of the car park.
In total, the Bridgewater House scheme will comprise 53 apartments; 20 within the listed building and 33 in the new-build block.
The development, located close to a cluster of residential skyscrapers, will provide a mix of one- and two-bedroom apartments.
Situated between Renaker’s Crown Street and Deansgate Square developments, the 23,300 sq ft Georgian building was once the headquarters of the Manchester Ship Canal Company.
However, it has been derelict for the last 20 years.
The project team also comprises Oriel Planning, viability consultant CBRE, as well as Stephen Levrant Heritage Architecture.
Elsewhere in Manchester, Watch This Space is currently redeveloping a derelict site on Richmond Street in Manchester’s Gay Village into eight townhouses.
Was so excited for this development to be anything other than more residential
By Steve
What no retail? Should be a coffee shop
By Coffee boy
Why is this building grade II listed? What value does it really add? It’s just a run down building that needs to be demolished and replaced with a stunning skyscraper to match the rest of the developments in the area. Another wasted opportunity because for some reason we need to live in the past! There could have been at least 500 brand new apartments built here for the young professionals wanting to live and work in the area.
By MC
Disappointing that this will be flats and not something more imaginative.
By Elephant
Nobody wants another skyscraper here, the historic building really adds to the appeal and character of the area.
Converting it to apartments though is a complete waste. This area is crying out for amenities for the huge new residential neighbourhood to use and enjoy.
Also, once again, yet another new build apartment block without any balcony space. Just what is MCC playing at here? Why are they actively working against helping people living in three places long term?
By Anonymous
Nice to see a bit of heritage retained for a change!
By Anonymous
Have to agree with the comments, retail would have been much nicer but glad they have saved the building.
Elizabeth Tower looks incredible by the way, well done Manc. Looking forward to my next visit 🙂
By Mel
Glad to see this magnificent building restored but that new element looks awful bolted on.
Something more imaginative could be done here.
By 1981
Understandable that viability will be the main contributing factor why this is due to be resi rather than any other use, but this is crying out to be an amazing F&B space to serve the wider residential neighbourhood and complement the great offers found in Castlefield Basin.
By Deansgate Sq Resident
Thought it better utilised as Mackie Mayor style concept, the area needs more eateries/coffee shops and commerce not more soulless apartments for investors.
By Anonymous
Oh no more heritage being saved by the council by finding a new use for a redundant and dilapidated listed building…….what on earth are they playing at
By Again
This will be a big waste if this building is more flats. Hope MCC make a case for a commercial or community use for the building instead
By 2022
Of course it will be a massive waste of everyone’s time to save and reuse a listed building that will very shortly collapse. Yes let’s just sit there and await the inevitable!!!
By Againagain
Glad they saved it, they should definitely make these apartments have a Parisian feel inside, with high ceilings and Crown mouldings. The apartments at the back should be made out of a similar material to compliment the heritage building
By E
Disappointed and surprised that it will be residential. Should be a gastro pub or split into several units for eateries/bars.
By Tom