Affordable homes plans submitted for landmark Ancoats site

Great Places Housing Group has submitted plans to redevelop the iconic Ancoats Dispensary.By incorporating elements of what remains of the original building, the team has worked hard to protect the building’s heritage and legacy while proposing much needed affordable homes in the area.The iconic Grade II-listed building, close to Manchester city centre, was built in 1874 to provide healthcare for the city’s growing population alongside the Royal Infirmary.The local landmark remained in use until 1989, but has remained vacant since then which has led to the building progressively deteriorating and currently requiring scaffolding to hold up what remains of the existing structure.Great Places, in partnership with Manchester City Council and part funded by Homes England, plans to redevelop what remains of the Dispensary for a mixture of 39 one- and two-bed apartments which will be available for affordable rent. The plans also look to complement Great Places’ existing homes and its ongoing commitment to the development of this growing and vibrant neighbourhood.Great Places has worked on the proposals with a variety of stakeholders, including Manchester Life, which is developing a number of sites in the area, as well as the Ancoats Dispensary Trust, to ensure plans look to preserve as much of the original Grade II-listed facade as possible. The design focuses on preserving the Old Mill Street and Lampwick Lane facades.