Brunswick Mill

Brunswick Mill is a New Islington landmark. It was constructed in 1839 for the spinning of cotton. Its rapid extension and alteration reflected the industrial innovation that was Manchester was famous for in the c19th. In 1908, the steam engines were powered down and the mill became the first in the city to run on electricity.  By the 1960s, cotton production ceased. Various light industrial uses moved in, and part of the building became a low cost music rehearsal space which continues to operate from new premises. Over the years, the building’s state deteriorated and its future was in doubt.

Planning and listed building consent had been granted for conversion of the Grade II listed building in 2021 along with construction of a new build development on adjacent land. Our client purchased the site and assembled a team to make the scheme a reality.

We facilitated the process as follows:

• enabling a phased delivery which prioritised conversion of the mill to halt its decline;
• discharge of conditions for the first phase of works;
• achieving modest changes to the proposals resulting from detailed design which fell within the scope of conditions;
• facilitating dialogue on detailed conservation matters including feasibility of retaining original features in light of building safety requirements; and
• reviewing whether alternative design options could generate an optimised new build element.

Key challenges focused on balancing retention of heritage fabric with the expectations of occupiers and the increasingly stringent technical requirements of health and safety. Careful consideration was given to how historic tiles and fixtures could be incorporated in a safe and meaningful way, and how the feature staircase could be made safe whilst retaining its impact and sense of place.

The converted mill will deliver 153 apartments with workspaces, retail and community uses to ground floor. The internal courtyard will become a landscaped amenity space, with parking directed to a separate dedicated space. The active ground floor units will encourage use of the adjacent canal towpath, making it a more attractive route for pedestrians.

The new build aspect will provide 124 dwellings across 5 to 8 storeys, including townhouses. Its design takes cues from the scale and character of the mill, without seeking to copy it. It will reinvigorate the area by bringing life to land which has long been vacant.

The site is now part of the Holt Town masterplan area for which the Council envisages transformative regeneration. Brunswick Mill will be a key part of that vision with this new chapter in its history.