Construction of The Loom, a seven-storey new-build housing 101 one and two bedroom apartments, is underway at the vacant site in Malta Street.
Designed by MPSL, the new building will sit adjacent to the original Vulcan Mill, a former Victorian machine works, which was refurbished in 2007 to create 120 apartments. The 103-week Phase 2 programme will see the completion of a long-held ambition for property developer Moya Ball, fulfilling the vision of her late sister, Manchester property legend Carol Ainscow who passed away in 2013.
Moya Ball, managing director of Artisan Investments, said: “The regeneration of this area, and the creation of hundreds of new homes for the people of Manchester, were incredibly important to Carol, and the passion to complete her vision has stayed with me. Ancoats has been completely transformed since we first started developing properties in the area, and this is the final piece of the jigsaw. It’s great to have Russells on board and it’s incredible to see the second part of the Vulcan Mill project now underway.”
Each of the 68 two bedroom and 33 one bedroom apartments will have either a glazed cantilever balcony or a Juliet window, and an open plan kitchen diner with integrated appliances.
The development will provide 82 secure, CCTV-covered parking spaces, 44 of which will be within the new basement level. Cycle storage will also be provided as part of the development. Roof mounted solar panels will provide power for lighting and heating to the common areas.
The derelict site, which overlooks a basin of the Ashton Canal and lies between the original mill and Albion Works in Pollard Street, was until recently used as a temporary car park. Externally, the space between the buildings will be landscaped and linked to Albion Works and the wider New Islington residential area.
Gareth Russell, director of Russells Construction, said: “We were extremely pleased to have been approached to assist with the design and build of the Vulcan Mill project for Artisan Investments. We know this area well, having been involved with earlier phases of the wider Ancoats residential regeneration, building The Cube and The Mews for a joint venture between Peel and Manchester City Council.
“Together with Artisan, we’ve developed a scheme which will bring another 101 new homes to the city centre and continue to regenerate and revitalise this part of the city. We’re conscious there are many hundreds of people already living in neighbouring Artisan developments at Vulcan Mill Phase 1 and Albion Works, and we’ll do our best to minimise disruption and keep residents informed throughout the project.”
