Northerngroup secure agreement to develop Jactin House

Northerngroup’s bid to redevelop Jactin House has been accepted by the NWDA – with an innovative scheme that will transform a prominent site in the heart of Ancoats Urban Village in East Manchester.

 The 40,000 sq ft former mill workers’ hostel, with its distinctive red brick and sloping slate roof, will undergo a two-phase redevelopment to create a substantial mixed use scheme, including space for start up businesses and the area’s first gym with swimming pool.

The Victorian character property, set across five floors, is an attractive new proposition for northerngroup who have already successfully renovated commercial and residential buildings within the Ancoats Village conservation area. The firm completed the 136-apartment Flint Glass Wharf last year and are nearing completion on the historic Ice Plant, on Cutting Room Square, which will deliver 82 of Manchester’s highest specification luxury apartments in the coming weeks.

 northerngroup have planned a two phase redevelopment of Jactin House.

The first will see extensive refurbishment of Jactin House itself with the creation of high quality, collaborative office accommodation – or ‘incubation’ units – for start-up and medium sized businesses, as little as one or two person.

A gym, swimming pool, and space for a café/deli will be installed in the basement and lower floors and will be the first of its type in the area, providing much needed leisure facilities to local residents and businesses. northerngroup are encouraging prospective operators to come forward.

In the second phase, a proposed modern looking new-build with large floor plates, will provide the only Grade A office space in the area and encourage growing businesses to stay within Ancoats rather than looking for space elsewhere. Office suites will have private terraces and traditional air conditioning systems will be replaced with sustainable heating and cooling technologies, meaning businesses can boast excellent green credentials. The plans – which will remain adaptive to market demands – also feature a nursery, car parking and duplex residential space.

Nathan Ezair, northerngroup director, commented “We have successfully operated business spaces within the area for the past 10 years and the majority of the companies that locate to Ancoats love it here.

The space we offer has more character than other buildings, it is generally cheaper and we offer plentiful car parking provision too. The problem lies where businesses outgrow their offices and want larger provision – we don’t want to see Ancoats lose them so we came up with a solution.

“We are proud of northerngroup’s record of developing and delivering in Ancoats for many years and throughout the downturn. We are excited to have Jactin House as our latest project and grateful to the NWDA for choosing us.”

Mark Hughes, Chief Executive of the NWDA, said: “This exciting new development will be a huge asset to Ancoats providing some of the highest quality business space in the area as well as creating new jobs for local people. This is building full of character which has stood empty for some time and I’m delighted that Northern Group have recognised the potential of Jactin House.”

Eddie Smith, chief executive of urban regeneration company, New East Manchester said: “It’s fantastic that another of Ancoats historic buildings will be given a new lease of life. This innovative scheme will deliver major improvements to the public realm and make a substantial contribution to local amenities, injecting economic vitality into the area, bringing jobs and much needed leisure facilities.”

Works are expected to commence on site in January 2012.