Albion Works News
The ground floor commercial units at Albion Works on Pollard Street are going to be converted into apartments.
The space, sold by Artisan to a London investment company, has never operated commercially and planners have given the go-ahead for a change of use.
The new plans will convert what were to be eight shops into five apartments, three two beds and two one beds, and the design and layout will copy the floors above.
While officers acknowledged concerns about on-going maintenance and security in Albion Works as a whole the reports says: “Residents have raised a number of concerns with the management and maintenance of the existing Block and wider residential complex. Whilst it is understood that there may be on going issues with the development these are not matters that would warrant refusal of the current application. “
The police made no objections but the conversion has to conform to Secured by Design standards which covers door locks and fittings and windows.
Car parking, which had been allocated for the retail, will now go with the apartments.
York Street
Liverpool based Moose Coffee apparently wants to open its first Manchester operation in a revamped unit at the base of York House.
It looks an interesting venture (click here) offering 'American style' breakfasts and brunch and short order cooking in a bit of the city which is fast livening up. (It’s just up the road from Alchemist 2)
The site was previously occupied by Coffee Republic despite not having the appropriate licence. Building owners Bruntwood are trying to rectify that and have asked for a reclassification. It would appear from the application documents that Reid Architects are also working on an interior re-fit but that will be a separate application.
Coffee
Residents Meeting With Hilary
Does Hilary Benn MP know what he could be letting himself in for?
He is setting up shop in The Place Hotel on Ducie Street Wednesday night (October 3) and wants to hear about any housing issues people living in the city may have.
He is thinking particularly about the private rented sector so dodgy landlords, poor service and high costs from lettings agents, management companies that fail to manage or deliver agreed service levels etc.. etc...
I am sure there are far more, poor quality buildings, lack of sound proofing, open spaces, parking- although it would be a shame if it turned into a rant with nothing constructive.
He is MP for Leeds central so should have some knowledge about the potential problems of living in a city.
He is also Labour’s shadow secretary of state or communities and local government.
The meeting starts at 7pm and is open to all city centre residents.
See you there.
Hilary Benn
