The Grand Apartments, formerly The Grand Hotel on Aytoun Street off Piccadilly, Manchester, was originally constructed for use as a warehouse in the 1860s. The building was subsequently converted to a hotel twenty years later, and has now been converted into 115 apartments by SimpsonHaugh.
Externally, the predominantly stone elevations to Hope Street, Aytoun Street and Chatham Street have been cleaned, repointed and repaired. New double glazed timber windows designed to match the profile of the original windows have been incorporated throughout.
Internally, a contemporary approach has been adopted utilising the inherent qualities of the exisiting space and making maximum use of the original ceiling height and architectural features. The subdivision of the space is the key to the scheme; to allow the original volumes to read whilst accommodating smaller cellular rooms.
The original ballroom structure has been retained within the courtyard and the original poor quality mansard roof has been replaced together with a dramatic fully glazed top floor which has been added to the original structure. New build link apartments have also been provided, spanning over New Circus Street and connecting the Grand Apartments with the new build 726 space carpark.