Plans for 21,500 sq ft commercial space at listed Manchester building

Architect Atelier MB has applied for planning and listed building consent on behalf of Biz Assets to transform the empty premises at 77-79 Mosley Street.

If the proposals which have been submitted to Manchester City Council come to fruition this 21,500 sq ft space would be split between 13,000 sq ft of offices and almost 9,000 sq ft for retail or leisure use.

Original shop fronts would be reinstated on both Princess Street and Mosley Street to create the retail and restaurant spaces, with an entrance for the offices and reception fronting onto St Peter’s Square.

Other features in the plans include the restoration of the original lightwell and two lifts being installed to access the workspaces on the upper floors. There would be two workspaces located on each of the three upper floors measuring from 1,690 sq ft to 2,615 sq ft.

Cycle parking and changing facilities would be created in the basement.

The grade two-listed building has been vacant since 2010.

Andrew Burns, managing director, of Atelier MB said: “77-79 Mosley Street is a significant building dating back to the 1860s and it has been vacant for 13 years.

“It was originally designed and built as a speculative office and warehouse space, so it is fitting we are retaining its original use.

“We have worked closely with OBI to make sure the office space and amenities retain the historic character of the building and set a high-quality standard to meet the needs of today’s occupiers.

“The buildings’ prominent location, facing both the Manchester Art Gallery and onto St Peter’s Square makes it an important part of the transformation of the core of the city centre as we look forward to the completion of the town hall restoration project.”

As well as Atelier MB, the project team also features Ludlam Associates, OBI, PDA Acoustics, and Redmore Environmental.

The heritage statement was produced by Atelier MB’s in-house heritage department, headed up by director Laura Jessup.

Andrew Cowell, transactions and asset manager, OBI said: “Increasingly businesses and their employees are bringing ESG commitments to the forefront of their culture.

“By repurposing the original building floors and internal features of 77-79 Mosley Street we are creating a unique and characterful workspace that is highly sustainable.”

To view the plans search for application reference number 139184/LO/2024 on Manchester City Council’s planning portal.