A landmark £6 million redevelopment project to convert former offices into luxury apartments on Manchester’s iconic King Street has been successfully completed. The project, located at 58-66 King Street, was managed by RECOM Solutions on behalf of asset manager DTZ Investors.
The transformation of the 24,000 sq ft Grade II listed building, now known as Kingsgate House, has resulted in the creation of 24 one- and two-bedroom flats spread across four floors, including ancillary areas at the ground floor and basement levels. This marks the first residential development in the prime retail area of lower King Street.
The luxury apartments are set to be available for rent next month, with property management company Urban Bubble overseeing the launch. This development aims to cater to the growing demand for high-end living in Manchester’s city centre, providing residents with a unique opportunity to experience life in a vibrant retail and leisure district.
Professionals involved in the scheme alongside RECOM included AEW Architects, planning consultancy Savills, project managers CogentBC, and quantity surveyors Gateley Vinden. The redevelopment process involved a comprehensive renovation, stripping the building down to its shell and repurposing it to modern standards while respecting its historical significance.
Key improvements included the installation of a new entrance, cycle storage, and plant areas in the basement, while the upper floors now house the luxurious apartments. A new flat roof has been added, existing external windows have been refurbished, and new secondary glazing has been installed to enhance energy efficiency. The apartments feature LED lighting to significantly boost the building’s Energy Performance Certificate rating.
Preserving the building’s heritage, original joinery aspects, including staircases and handrails, have been retained. Modern mechanical and electrical features, such as a lift, electric heating system, and a sprinkler system, have also been incorporated to ensure resident comfort and safety.
Jason McKnight, director at RECOM, highlighted the team’s commitment to maintaining the building’s character throughout the project. He stated, “This focus was bled into the project from the very beginning at the design stage.” McKnight praised the collaboration among all parties involved, noting the shared ambition to create something unique for Manchester.
Holly Witcomb, associate director at DTZ Investors, expressed her satisfaction with the completed project. “We are delighted to have completed the residential conversion project to deliver 24 luxury new apartments to King Street,” she said. Witcomb emphasised the high specifications of the apartments, which utilise the character features of the historic building, contributing to King Street’s ongoing transformation into Manchester’s leading retail and leisure district.
Founded in 2015 by Jason McKnight and Joseph Dillon, RECOM Solutions specialises in construction project management and main contracting across various sectors, including healthcare, education, retail, and residential. The company, headquartered at Waters Edge Business Park in Salford Quays, is an approved contractor under the UK’s Fire Accreditation Scheme (FIRAS) for its fire protection services, demonstrating its commitment to safety and quality in all its projects.
