Work starts on stalled Eccles residential project

Abrey Construction has begun work to deliver the £14m Lyceum development for Liverpool-based Integritas Property Group on behalf of a consortium of investors. 

The redevelopment of Eccles’ former Crown Theatre on Church Street into 82 apartments stalled in 2020 following the collapse of Lyceum Manchester, the vehicle delivering the scheme. 

Lyceum Manchester was owned by Goodwins Construction Services Group, which itself appointed administrators in November 2020. 

Last April, a group of investors in the project clubbed together to buy the site out of administration for around £1m. This ensured the £2m worth of deposits already paid was protected. 

The Lyceum Investors Group was founded by Mitchell Walsh, managing director of IPG. 

“The Lyceum development offers investors the opportunity to own not just a piece of Manchester’s history, but also part of the gateway to the vibrant city centre,” Walsh said. 

“With the rental market growing in the North West, the apartments are proving incredibly popular with investors, and with the right people now at the helm, we’re excited to see the restoration reach completion.” 

The Lyceum project will see the grade two-listed building converted into a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom flats.  

Construction of the Lyceum scheme is anticipated to complete in Q3 of 2023.