Royal Mill's Wins Another Major Accolade
The spectacular conversion of four of Manchester’s most important cotton mills has won its fourth major award in as many months – underlining its position as one of Britain’s top regeneration projects.
The coveted prize in The Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors’ 2007 North West Awards once again highlights Royal Mills’ importance in the re-birth and renaissance of the Ancoats area of Manchester.
Royal Mills is an outstanding £85 million project to regenerate some of the UK’s most historically significant mills dating back to the 18th Century. The prestigious awards it has received to date make it one of Britain’s most important projects of its kind.
International property company ING Real Estate Development UK is behind the flagship scheme to turn Royal Mills into 312 one, two and three-bedroom apartments, penthouses and duplexes, together with 80,000 sq. ft. of commercial units, offices, meeting rooms as well as shops, bars and cafes.
Royal Mills has won continuing regional and national praise for its conservation and design work, which has retained the historical integrity of the buildings.
This latest accolade follows the scheme being awarded:
- Best Mixed-Use New Development at the Property Week North West Property Awards
- the converted Built in Quality Award from Manchester City Council
- and also the Historic Environment prize in the Waterways Renaissance Awards.
Siep Hoeksma, UK Country Manager of ING Real Estate Development is delighted that Royal Mills has attracted such acclaim and recognition.
He said: "The first phase of the five-year project has created a magnificent 21st Century canalside community in an area that was once the heart of Manchester's proud cotton industry. It forms an integral part of the wider renaissance of New East Manchester."
Lyn Fenton, of NEM's Ancoats Urban Village, responsible for promoting the area and its renaissance, was there to pick up the RICS Regeneration Award at an event held at Manchester's New Century Hall.
She said: “We are delighted to receive yet another well deserved award for the regeneration of Royal Mills.
“These surviving buildings are the last remaining examples of their kind and the emphasis placed upon maintaining the original and unique features has been fantastic.”
Many of the mills’ historic features have been carefully restored throughout the development, with guidance from heritage experts and industrial historians. Stone staircases, exposed brickwork, vaulted ceilings, cast iron columns and pillar supports have all been retained within the revival of the Royal Mills’ buildings.
FSP Architects and Planners, based in Liverpool and London, designed the new look Royal Mills. Structural engineers were Buro Happold and Carillion carried out construction. Mace was the project manager and Knight Frank is the residential agent.
The restoration has been assisted by an £9.3m grant from the Northwest Regional Development Agency and the European Regional Development Fund.
Issued on behalf of ING Real Estate Development
For further information, please contact:
Richard Baguley or Alistair Clarke
GDR Public Relations
Tel: 01253 881900