Fallowfield’s iconic 1960s Toast Rack building has been put up for sale by its owners ahead of a major redevelopment of the area.
The historic breakfast-themed building was sold to owner Overseas investor Estrela by Manchester Metropolitan University for a cool £5m back in 2014, now nearly a decade later it is being listed again.
A familiar sight amongst Manchester students young and old, the Grade II-listed landmark is now tipped for a big redevelopment – as the 3.71-acre site reappears on the market with detailed planning consent for over 200 homes.
Listed in a package that includes the entire Hollings Campus site – which is an area spanning four football pitches – also included in the sale are neighbouring buildings the Horseshoe, Gateway site, and Stitching Hall.
The package is being marketed by Cushman & Wakefield, with plans to include 20,910 sq ft of gym and leisure space, 7,582 sq ft of commercial space, and 154 car parking spaces, plus over 200 new flats, a gym, coffee shop, and a roof top garden.
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The redevelopment will mean the end of an era for one of the city’s most famous buildings, first created by Manchester City Council’s then Chief Architect Leonard Cecil Howitt to reflect its purpose as a catering college.
Originally known as the Hollings Building, its triangular shape, curling concrete arches and a circular block alongside soon led to the site being known colloquially as the Toast Rack.
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Opening to initial bemusement, the breakfast-themed building eventually became a beloved part of the Fallowfield region – especially in the student community after it was purchased by Manchester Metropolitan University.
In April 1998, The Toast Rack was even granted Grade II listed status by English Heritage – who described it as ‘a distinctive and memorable building which demonstrates this architect’s love of structural gymnastics in a dramatic way’.
Manchester Metropolitan University continued using the building until 2013, then decided to shift its student campuses further north and sold up the following year.
Four years later, The Gym Group moved in – turning the ‘Dru’m into a state-of-the-art leisure facility as part of a 15-year agreement.
In 2021, Generation Ltd was committed to delivering 210 apartments in the area alongside 20,000 sq ft of commercial space. Now it appears that that opportunity will instead be passed on to a new buyer.
Bruce Poizer, head of capital markets at Cushman & Wakefield in Manchester, told the Manchester Evening News: “The Toast Rack is one of the most striking and recognisable buildings in Manchester and we are delighted bring it to market.
“This is an incredibly rare opportunity to invest in a vibrant area that is ripe for development. Fallowfield is synonymous with student living, it is also a popular suburb for young professionals and families due to its proximity to Manchester city centre, cultural amenities and sport and leisure.
“We anticipate strong interest in this unique site and expect it to appeal to both build-to-rent and student accommodation investors and developers.”
10 hot properties for sale in Greater Manchester | May 2024
Emily Sergeant
Every month, we show you some of the hottest properties currently on the market in Greater Manchester.
It’s safe to say that Mancunians love a good nosey around other peoples’ houses, and after all, Greater Manchester is a brilliant place to live.
But what can your money currently get you in the area?
In our monthly Hot Property series, we scour the internet to find 10 more of the most diverse, jaw-dropping, accessible, and beautifully-presented homes currently on the market in Greater Manchester for you to take a look at.
Forming part of a private gated development in Bromley Cross – which is one of Bolton’s most highly-sought-after residential areas, and enjoys convenient links to a wide range of amenities, good schools, and transport links across Greater Manchester – is this four-bedroom townhouse that’s presented to the highest of standards throughout.
Built in 2004, but having undergone a full refurbishment by the current owners back in 2018, the property is now immaculately presented with accommodations arranged over three floors.
Internally, some of the property’s stand-out features include the modern fitted kitchen, four spacious bedrooms, and the loft conversion, while externally, it boasts a South-facing rear garden and convenient allocated off-road parking facilities.
The property is currently on the market with the Bury-based branch of local estate agents WeLocate for £325,000.
Jersey Street, Ancoats, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M4
Reside
Murrays’ Mills / Credit: Reside
Duplex Apartment | x3 Bedrooms | x2 Bathrooms
Situated within one of Manchester’s most historic and award-winning developments in the heart of Ancoats, with exceptionally convenient links all of the restaurants, cafes, shops, and public transport options the city centre has to offer, is this exceptional three-bedroom duplex apartment in the prestigious Murrays’ Mills.
Murrays’ Mills hails from the industrial revolution era, but the entire complex has been restored to return the mill to its former glory, and estate agents say it now delivers “cutting-edge standards of new build development”.
This duplex apartment features an impressive open-plan living and kitchen area, and three generous double bedrooms.
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Externally, secure allocated parking is also included with the property.
Murrays’ Mills / Credit: Reside
The property is currently on the market with the Manchester city centre-based property company Reside for £825,000.
Nestled in a tranquil location, and conveniently-positioned near to countless local amenities, schooling options, and transport links across Greater Manchester and beyond, is this stunning two-bedroom detached bungalow that occupies a prime position on a popular road in the sought-after Salford suburb of Worsley.
Estate agents say the property offers a “serene retreat” for those seeking a place to call home.
Having been modernised to a high standard throughout by the current owners, some of the property’s stand-out accommodation features include spacious reception rooms, a fully-fitted kitchen, and a converted loft room.
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Externally, there’s lawned gardens to the front and the rear of the property, as well as a garage and off-road driveway parking for several vehicles.
Parsonage Road / Credit: Irlam Estates
The property is currently on the market with Irlam-based independent estate agents Irlam Estates for a Guide Price of £425,000.
In the market for a family home that’s been finished to an impeccable standard with attention to detail throughout?
This stunning semi in Swinley could be just what you’re looking for
Situated on a popular road in one of Wigan’s most sought-after residential areas, thanks to being a within walking distance of the town centre, good local schools, public transport links, and even Mesnes Park all at the same time, this three-bedroom property has been skilfully-extended and renovated by the current owners to offer a flowing floor plan with “quality touches at every turn”, making it ready for growing families of all sizes to move straight in to.
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On top of the light and spacious living spaces, the property also boasts a private garden to the rear, as well as a detached garage and off-road driveway parking.
Holme Avenue / Credit: Tracy Phillips Estates
The property is currently on the market with Standish-based independent estate agents Tracy Phillips Estates for £280,000.
Occupying a prime corner plot on an attractive street within the highly-sought-after Bury neighbourhood of Holcombe Brook is this stunning three-bedroom detached property that provides an abundance of space for families of all sizes.
Dating back to the 1930s, the property is now immaculately-presented from the moment you walk through the doors, thanks to having undergone several renovations by the current owners to combine both modern living with character and charm.
As well as being conveniently-close to the nearby historic market town of Ramsbottom, and just a short distance from a wealth of amenities, good local schools, and transport links across Greater Manchester, the property also boasts well-maintained lawned gardens to both the front and the rear, and driveway parking for several vehicles – with opportunity to extend.
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Everything this property has to offer is best appreciated when viewed for yourself.
Mayfield Road / Credit: Wainwrights
The property is currently on the market with the Bury-based independent estate agents Wainwrights for £485,000.
Fancy living on one of Greater Manchester’s most-recognisable rows of houses?
It’s not an opportunity that comes around very often, but a four-bedroom property on Altrincham’s historic The Downs is currently now on the market, and not only is it enviably close to all the amenities, excellent local schools, and convenient transport links that the affluent Trafford town is known and loved for, but it’s also presented to the highest of standards throughout, meaning it’s ready to move straight into the second the keys are yours.
Estate agents say this Georgian townhouse is “deceptively spacious”, as behind the front door of the unassuming terrace lies an abundance of flexible living space that’s retained its character and charm, while still being suitable for modern life.
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Externally, the property has a courtyard garden to the rear, and also comes with permit parking.
The Downs / Credit: Watersons
The property is currently on the market with the Hale-based branch of local independent estate agents Watersons for £1.1 million.
Blackstone Edge Old Road, Littleborough, Rochdale, Greater Manchester, OL15
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Andrew Kelly Estate Agents
Lydgate Green Cottage / Credit: Andrew Kelly Estate Agents
Detached Cottage | x4 Bedrooms | x2 Bathrooms
Lydgate Green Cottage could be just the slice of semi-rural living you’re looking for.
Located in the ever-popular Rochdale town of Littleborough, and managing to be nestled within picturesque surrounding countryside, while still being a stone’s throw from all the amenities, school that prospective buyers could need, estate agents say this four-bedroom detached stone cottage “oozes an abundance of charm”.
Although the property has been sympathetically-modernised by the current owners throughout, several original features still remain – including exposed beams, and roaring real-wood fireplaces.
Externally, the property boasts rear gardens and fields, driveway parking for around three vehicles, and even a two-floored detached garage which has planning permission to be turned into a separate annexe in the future.
Lydgate Green Cottage / Credit: Andrew Kelly Estate Agents
The property is currently on the market with Littleborough-based independent estate agents Andrew Kelly for £995,000 (Offers in Excess of).
Mottram in Longendale, Hyde, Tameside, Greater Manchester, SK14
Gascoigne Halman
Hall Drive / Credit: Gascoigne Halman
Detached | x5 Bedrooms | x2 Bathrooms
Situated on a popular residential road in the picturesque Hyde village of Mottram-in-Longendale is this five-bedroom detached family home that’s being conveniently offered to the market with no onward chain, and is ready to move straight into thanks to having been lovingly-modernised over time by the current owners.
Extended on several occasions, the property is now immaculately presented throughout, and boasts light and spacious accommodations that lend themselves perfectly to flexible family life.
Externally, the property benefits from picturesque views over the adjoining countryside from the rear gardens, as well as easy-to-maintain lawned areas, an integral garage, and off-road driveway parking for several vehicles to the front.
Hall Drive / Credit: Gascoigne Halman
The property is currently on the market with Glossop branch of local independent estate agents Gascoigne Halman for a Guide Price of £795,000.
Lydate House an exceptional seven-bedroom detached home in the affluent rural Oldham village of Saddleworth.
Despite being set within half an acre of expansive grounds and boasting unparalleled countryside views from all directions, the immaculately-presented property is still just a short distance from loads of local amenities, good schooling options, and transport links across Greater Manchester and beyond, which makes it an ideal property for growing families of all sizes.
As well as the main house boasting three spacious reception rooms, a stunning bespoke fitted kitchen, and five double bedrooms, the property also comes with a separate detached ‘Clock Cottage’ holiday let that currently brings in £27,000 a year in income.
Lydgate House / Credit: Fine & Country
The property is currently on the market with the Ribble Valley-based branch of national estate agency label Fine & Country for £1.6 million.
Church Road, Mellor, Stockport, Greater Manchester, SK6
Julian Wadden
Lower Hall / Credit: Julian Wadden
Detached | x6 Bedrooms | x4 Bathrooms
Lower Hall is by far one of the most impressive properties currently on the market in Greater Manchester, and it could be yours if you’ve got £1.6 million to spend.
Located in Mellor – which is one of Stockport’s most affluent and sought-after neighbourhoods that’s known for combining the best of rural living, while still being conveniently close to a wide range of amenities, excellent local schools, and transport links across Greater Manchester and beyond – the six-bedroom home is nothing short of an “exquisite landmark residence”, according to estate agents, and has so much to offer prospective buyers.
Tucked away behind the gates of a private sweeping driveway and nestled within expansive grounds, Lower Hall boasts generously-proportioned living spaces that are both brimming with character and charm, while still being adaptable for modern life at the same time.
The property also comes with a separate self-contained annexe to the rear, which boasts its own living spaces, modern fitted kitchen, and a spacious double bedroom.
This is one that truly just has to be viewed to be fully appreciated.
Lower Hall / Credit: Julian Wadden
The property is currently on the market with the Marple branch of local estate agency chain Julian Wadden for a Guide Price of £1.6 million.
Featured Image – Gascoigne Halman | Fine & Country | Julian Wadden
Property
This stunning manor house surrounded by countryside is on the market for £1.6m… and it’s only in Stockport
Emily Sergeant
A historic manor house in one of Stockport’s most idyllic villages is currently on the market, and we’re a little bit obsessed with it.
The only thing is, you’ll just need the small matter of £1.6 million before it’s yours.
Of course, it goes without saying that the vast majority of people reading this article won’t have £1.6 million just sitting in their bank account, and that properties of this size and stature are not the kind we’ll ever get to call home, so the next best thing we can do is just snoop around on good old Rightmove and have a nosey at all the jaw-dropping pictures instead.
Like us, if you’ve got no shame in admitting that one of your favourite internet pastimes is looking up houses you can’t afford in places you’ll probably never live, then allow us to introduce you to this absolute stunner.
We’re talking Georgian manor with six bedrooms, a separate annexe, picturesque views of the surrounding countryside, and described as being “truly distinctive”, kind of ‘stunner’.
And, surprisingly, it’s only in Stockport… yes, Stockport.
This stunning manor house in Stockport is surrounded by countryside and on the market for £1.6m / Credit: Julian Wadden
This is Lower Hall.
Located in Mellor – which is one of the borough’s most affluent and sought-after neighbourhoods that’s known for combining the best of rural living, while still being conveniently close to a wide range of amenities, excellent local schools, and transport links across Greater Manchester and beyond – estate agents say the six-bedroom home is nothing short of an “exquisite landmark residence”, and has so much to offer prospective buyers.
Tucked away behind the gates of a private sweeping driveway and nestled within expansive grounds, Lower Hall boasts generously-proportioned living spaces that are both brimming with character, and adaptable for modern life at the same time.
The main house itself is filled with beautiful Georgian period features throughout, including a grand entrance porch and hallway adorned with stone flooring, original bannisters, vaulted ceilings, sash windows, and roaring open fireplaces.
It’s located in one of Stockport’s most sought-after and affluent villages / Credit: Julian Wadden
A bespoke fitted kitchen with wooden units and elegant granite worktops, formal dining and sitting rooms looking out onto the manicured gardens, a cosy snug with its own fireplace, a practical ‘boot room’, and an absolutely jaw-dropping garden room with plants draping from the ceilings, are just some of the stand-out living spaces on the ground floor.
When you make your way up one of the two staircases leading to the first floor, here is where you’ll find the six spacious bedrooms – including the master double bedroom which has open vaulted ceilings and built-in wardrobes.
The property boasts several en-suites, downstairs WCs, and a large bathroom fit for all the family.
Adjacent to the main house is the separate self-contained annexe, which offers up its own sitting room, an extended garden room, a kitchen, and a shower room on the ground floor, with a double bedroom on the first floor.
The property is brimming with original Georgian period features throughout / Credit: Julian Wadden
The outside of the property is just as impressive as the inside too.
As mentioned, a grand gated driveway meanders from Church Road through the property’s grounds to a spacious parking area suitable for several vehicles to the rear.
The front formal gardens offer what estate agents call “captivating countryside vistas”, while the rear gardens feature lawned areas and patio seating spaces, which make ideal spots to entertain guests, or just to sit and bask in the summer sunshine.
Lower Hall is currently on the market with Stockport-based independent estate agents, Julian Wadden, for a whopping £1.6 million, and if you fancy taking a closer look, then you can contact the property company to arrange a viewing.
Or you could just take the cheaper route instead and have a nosey at the Rightmove link here.