Listed Victorian 'Terracotta workshop' could become flats after U-turn

A Victorian workshop could become flats in the Northern Quarter after a U-turn on its future.

The Armitage Terracotta workshop, on Laystall Street, is a grade-II listed building which opened in 1879. After being left vacant for a number of years, it was set to become offices adjoining a new nine-storey apartment block, to house 89 affordable apartments.

But new planning documents show developers McCaul Group Ltd believe there is no longer a need for the workspaces. Instead, it hopes to retain the Victorian facade, with a four-flat apartment block behind.

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“The proposal seeks to construct a new-build self-contained block to the corner of Pigeon and Laystall Street which will provide four one-bed residential units,” a planning statement said. “This scheme is proposed in the place of a previously approved commercial building on the same site.

“In terms of concept, massing and visual appearance the proposal does not seek to radically depart from the approved scheme. Additionally in conjunction with the completed office conversion of the former showroom, a comfort cooling system is proposed with externally mounted condenser units.”

The main difference between the office block and residential scheme is the number of floors, with McCaul saying an extra floor can be added by ‘floor-to-floor levels being adjusted to meet residential standards’. There will be no on-site car parking, and space for two bikes in the courtyard to the rear of the building, it added.

The plans are available to view online here, and you can make a comment until January 6.