Great Places Housing Group has started work on its £20m apartment scheme at Laystall Street just off Great Ancoats Street, in Manchester city centre.
The new nine-storey residential development, being delivered in partnership with Eric Wright Construction and part-funded by Homes England and Greater Manchester Combined Authority’s Brownfield Housing Fund, will provide 89 one- and two-bed apartments available for Rent to Buy and Social Rent.
The development is the second project to commence work at the site following Manchester-based developer, McCauls’ transformation of the Grade II-listed Armitage Showroom into 5,000 sq. ft of high-quality office space. McCauls are also planning to create a small residential element adjacent designed by OMI Architects, on the corner of Laystall Street and Pigeon Street.
Commenting on the start of the project, Nick Gornall, Director of Development at Great Places, said: “We’re delighted to be starting work at Laystall Street which will provide much-needed affordable accommodation in central Manchester.
“Laystall Street is an excellent location, and we look forward to working together again with Eric Wright to deliver its transformation. The project will breathe new life into this part of the city centre and reinforces our continued commitment to the delivery of affordable homes across Manchester.”
Jeremy Hartley, Chief Executive Officer at Eric Wright Group, added: “Our Laystall Street project with Great Places builds on our successful collaboration at Ancoats Dispensary and we are looking forward to partnering with them again. Our construction team is committed to delivering excellence, and we look forward to seeing this development bring more high quality, affordable housing to the community in this part of Manchester.
“As with Ancoats Dispensary, we will again be creating jobs, working with the local supply chain and offering work experience opportunities and apprenticeships.”
Work is expected to be completed in early 2026. The Rent to Buy apartments will be managed by Plumlife Management.
