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Ancoats works approved
Manchester City Council has awarded planning approval to the BDP-designed Ancoats Works on behalf of Capital & Centric and Kamani Property in Holt Town, on the edges of New Islington, Manchester. The approved plans deliver urban regeneration of a disused industrial site adjacent to the Ashton Canal.
The Ancoats Works site has always been associated with the weaving industry. This is reflected in the design, providing a glimpse of the area’s legacy. This is achieved through the retention of key elements of the historic factory to Pollard Street, which includes the iconic ‘Ancoats Works’ signage and chimney.
By introducing new, contemporary buildings that display elements of the strong vertical gables of the adjacent Hope Mill building, BDP is adding materiality and texture that is sympathetic to the cotton weaving and metal working processes that gave prosperity to the historic Ancoats Works.
Located adjacent to the Grade II* Hope Mill - one of the finest surviving examples of the first fire-proof spinning and weaving mills built in Manchester in the early 19th Century - the development strikes a balance between the old and the new to create a unique identity and place for both existing and new residents alike.
The proposed design delivers 193 homes with a mix of one and two‐bed apartments, three‐bed duplexes and integrated townhouses fronting onto Carruthers Street as well as a new commercial use to a key corner of the area, situated on the walking and tram route to Manchester City FC’s Etihad Stadium.
Mark Braund, Architect Director at BDP, explains: “The vision for Ancoats Works is about bringing a historic mill site back to life. Creating a development that enhances the old with new insertions, whilst creating homes and businesses, all set around a mix of new open space with views to the historic life blood of the canal.
“It’s been developed with those who best know the place - local residents, key stakeholders, Capital and Centric, Kamani Property and Manchester City Council. The result is a high-quality, unique environment knitted seamlessly into its surrounding historical, Mancunian edges. The design revitalises existing buildings to create a varied offer in home and private amenity typologies which offer both individuality and character.
“The regeneration and development of Ancoats Works presented us with a rare opportunity to repair a great piece of the city. What we are creating is a distinctive and attractive neighbourhood with enduring appeal to make it a more liveable place, acknowledging the industrial heritage that makes Manchester such a unique place to live and work.”
