Manchester development completes

Manchester developer, northerngroup have completed a £12million apartment scheme in the heart of Ancoats.

The Ice Plant features 82 top specification one, two and three-bedroom apartments. The mixed-use scheme combines the restored façade and original features of Ancoats’ historic ice-making warehouse with three new-build blocks, including an eight-storey tower, built around a central glass atrium.

The scheme includes a 2,000 plus square foot penthouse featuring three bedrooms, a double sized bath, island kitchen with integrated wine cooler and panoramic 360 degree views of the city, from the Town Hall to the Etihad Stadium.

Developer northerngroup are retaining complete ownership of the building, with all 82 apartments for rent, meaning that unlike traditional buy-to-let landlords who are more detached from their properties, they have an in-house team of property managers to ensure high standards are maintained for all tenants.

The building has five glass-fronted, flexible ground level retail / commercial units fronting on to the square and ranging from 2,000 square feet to 7,000 square feet.

Delivered by the property company’s construction arm, northerngroup build, it received funding from the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) and has provided jobs for over 100 local construction workers and apprentices and has been one of only a handful of developments in the city centre to complete since the recession.

Eddie Smith, chief executive of New East Manchester, the urban regeneration company charged with regenerating this part of the city, said: “The Ice Plant is a high quality development in a fantastic location. The Halle’s recent decision to use the neighbouring St Peter’s Church as their permanent rehearsal space is another feather in the cap for Ancoats. This, along with the Ice Plant, is helping to drive forward the regeneration momentum and re-invent Ancoats as one of the most exciting places in Manchester to live and work.”

northerngroup worked with Stephenson Bell architects on the design and achieving planning permission and Falconer Chester Hall were the project architects for the scheme.