King Street us a conversion and refurbishment project located in the centre of Manchester. The commission has seen us transform three historical buildings, including a Grade II listed property, from retail and office space into 24 luxury apartments.

Project Credits

Cogent BC, DTZ InvestorsClient
ManchesterLocation
Residential Sectors
Architecture, Heritage, Retrofit Services
24 Apartments / 31,380 sq ftSize
£6mValue
2022 - 2024Programme
CompleteStatus
RECOM Solutions LTDPhotography

Facade of the scheme overlooking King Street

Luxury kitchen space of an apartment after completion

Stained glass glazing in an apartment after completion

Preserved fireplace in an apartment after completion

Image [ 1 / 4 ]

Located within a

Conservation Area

Includes a

Grade II listed building

Delivers 24

luxury apartments

Successful office

to residential conversion

The Brief & Design Development

We were appointed by Cogent BC and DTZi, to develop design proposals for the conservation and conversion of three historically protected properties in one of Manchester’s premier retail destinations.

The brief was to transform the existing office and retail space into 24 luxury apartments spread over four floors, with a new entrance and ancillary space introduced on the ground and basement levels.

The three buildings occupy 58-66 King Street and the commission was therefore a sensitive one with the buildings both located in the St Ann’s Square Conservation Area and involving work to a Grade II Listed property. Our utmost priority in developing our proposals was therefore to preserve and rejuvenate the 19th century architecture and heritage of the existing buildings whilst converting them for residential use. Consultation and liaison with various local and heritage stakeholders was integral.

With the brief to provide luxury accommodation befitting the prestigious location, our design strategy was to utilise the unique features and layout of the existing buildings to their maximum advantage. Our aim was therefore to retain and enhance as much of the historical character as possible to create a bespoke residential offer which would be attractive to renters.

The scheme successfully achieved planning in early 2022, with Contractor Recom appointed to deliver the scheme.

“...We are delighted that the residential scheme we have submitted for planning has been approved. This scheme not only mirrors our vision for the brand and our retail and office space offering but aso adds another aspect to the famous district.”

Tom Royston DTZ

- King Street facade shows the preservation of its heritage

The Outcome

[01]

The final scheme has seen us successfully deliver 24 one- and two- bedroom premium apartments for rent in one of Manchester’s most iconic locations.

The heritage of the three buildings has been preserved and refreshed throughout. We retained as much of the existing historical structure as possible whilst maintaining logical and coherent internal layouts. We also retained the existing internal circulation spaces across the three buildings.

We replaced and refurbished the existing wooden and glazed shopfronts, all external glazing and the existing lightwell. The main entrance was reconfigured to create level access from street level and a new lift was installed within the existing lift shaft. A new bicycle store was integrated at basement level.

To enhance the accommodation, Juliet balconies were added to master bedrooms, decorative historic fireplaces were trained and new skylights were installed to help daylight penetrate deeper into the floor plates.

The final scheme has seen us create high-quality, naturally lit homes that proudly display the heritage of the building whilst offering luxury accommodation in the heart of the city centre.