This historic mill has been transformed to create some of the city’s largest homes

One of Manchester’s last undeveloped Victorian mills has been transformed this week, as award winning regeneration company Urban Splash completes its work at the Grade II Listed Avro building – creating 31 of the city’s largest homes inside.

Steeped in rich Manchester history, the building was once used by the AV Roe aviation company to build warplanes.

It was also the one-time workplace of eminent artist LS Lowry, who served as the building’s rent collector.

That heritage has been embraced throughout the new homes, which each feature the best of the historical fabric – including beams, brickwork and cast-iron columns.   

A new show apartment has also completed at the building, and is now open for COVID-safe viewings. 

“We’ve created some of the biggest apartments in Manchester, offering vast living space, original features including exposed brickwork and access to a spacious and design-led residents’ garden,” says Toby Gallagher of Urban Splash .

“We’re pretty proud of them and cannot wait to show viewers around. 

“At a time when hope is genuinely on the horizon – Avro is going to be a wonderful place to live and embrace life to the full in the heart of Manchester.”

Avro is the latest in a long line of mills Urban Splash has transformed over the past 30 years; the company restored many of the listed mills in Castlefield, helping to renew the area and attract residents, retailers and restaurant and bar operators, as well as mills in Ancoats – including Waulk Mill and Beehive Mill – and other cities around England. 

The homes at Avro have been designed by Manchester architect Roger Stephenson, renowned for over 25 years of pioneering projects in the region and beyond.

“I’m particularly fond of Avro – it’s an iconic building in one of my favourite cities – what’s not to love?” says Roger.

“I’m so proud to see our designs come to life – and equally delighted that Urban Splash has worked so hard to celebrate and preserve the building’s aviation heritage.”

The final four homes at Avro are on sale now with prices starting at £450,000 with no stamp duty to pay if completed by the time the stamp duty holiday ends in June. In person and virtual tours are now available and can be booked here: urbansplash.co.uk.