Beech transforms factory into Residential scheme

An old shipping warehouse in Manchester is set to be transformed into carbon-neutral homes after lying untouched for close to 70 years.

The Grade II-listed Number 2 Waterloo Street, one of three buildings that used to form the Transact House factory, was acquired for just under £1m by North West entrepreneur Stephen Beech, the founder of developer Beech Holdings.

Now, planning consent has been granted for the property to become a mix of eight one-bed apartments and three studios along with two duplex and four two-bed homes.

Discussing the £1.2m project Stephen, known as ‘Manchester’s Restoration Man’, said Beech Holdings will work to preserve the building’s heritage as it looks to complete within six months.

He commented: “I am delighted to announce that we have received planning permission for Number 2 Waterloo Street from Manchester City Council.

“We feel honoured to have the support of the council to restore this beautiful building for the enjoyment of many generations to come.“

He added: “Now that the development money has officially been allocated, we will focus our efforts to ensure new tenants can enjoy beautiful carbon-neutral homes within six months.“

Pictured: A CGI of how the apartments could look

Speaking further, Stephen said Number 2 Waterloo Street, which dates back to the 1880s, offers an insight into the industrial revolution as the marks of workers’ clogs are still visible on the floorboards of the upper floors.

He continued: “It’s a forgotten gem and has been a ‘ghost building’ for a long time,“ said the Urmston born developer, whose firm takes unloved buildings in prime Manchester locations and develops them into apartments.

“You can literally see the last people who have walked there. There are dints from workers’ steel clogs which obviously chipped away at the floor.

“I love the building’s character, its huge windows, and that Beech Holdings will be restoring it while also retaining its unique character.“

Beech Holdings, a carbon-neutral property developer, which has a gross development pipeline of more than £150m.

Earlier this year, the company acquired another derelict building in central Manchester for £3.5m.