Manchester’s Royal Mail sorting office on Oldham Road sold for £45m
It is currently unknown what will become of the sorting office, which is just one of a large portfolio of sorting offices the nation's postal service operates across the UK.
The well known Royal Mail distribution centre on Oldham Road in Manchester city centre has been sold to a private investor.
Aviva Investors, which is connected to a Salford-based millionaire, has sold the popular sorting office for £45 million with an initial net yield of 2.75% – a record low yield for the North West.
According to Place North West, it is understood that the buyer is loosely connected to Aubrey Weis, who is behind a proposed £350m skyscraper scheme at Manchester’s Great Jackson Street, which if materialised, will comprise of two 56-storey towers and more than 1,000 apartments.
Royal Mail
Acting for the buyer in the Royal Mail acquisition is Cooper Rose Real Estate, while Savills’ Manchester investment agency team acted for the seller, Aviva.
The popular fulfilment centre is the largest warehouse of its type in Manchester city centre and was acquired by Aviva for £14.4m in 2010. Royal Mail also operates a 340,000 sq ft distribution centre in Warrington.
It is currently unknown what will become of the sorting office, which is just one of a large portfolio of sorting offices the nation’s postal service operates across the UK.
Business
Salford Lads and Girls Club to receive lifeline funding grant for ‘essential repairs’
Emily Sergeant
Salford Lads and Girls Club is set to receive a lifeline funding grant for essential repairs merely months after facing closure.
The £400,000 grant will be helping to secure a long-term future for the iconic youth club.
Established in 1903 as a purpose-built club for boys, but now open to girls too, Salford Lads and Girls Club nowadays works to provide new generations with access to sports, creative workshops, fitness, music, drama, and ultimately, life skills.
The building is, of course, forever linked with legendary Manchester band The Smiths, through Stephen Wright’s iconic photo of the band outside the front doorway.
For this reason, the venue has become a worldwide landmark and pilgrimage site for music fans, and it even has a dedicated Smiths room.
Salford Lads and Girls Club will receive a lifeline funding grant for ‘essential repairs’ / Credit: Wikimedia Commons
The venue’s funding grant is part of £2.4 million awarded to six historic places in the North West from Historic England’s Heritage at ‘Risk Capital Fund’.
Other sites in the region include the restoration of the upper seating areas at Morecambe Winter Gardens, and the conservation of the Grade II listed pumphouse at the National Waterways Museum in Ellesmere Port.
Some of the essential repairs set to be carried out with the funding include roof slate replacements, and brick and terracotta masonry repairs to ensure the long-term sustainability of this famous community building in Salford.
“Thanks to the extra funding from the Heritage at Risk Capital Fund, we are able to breathe new life into neglected historic buildings in the North West that we haven’t been able to help through our existing grant schemes,” commented Louise Brennan, who is the Director of Regions at Historic England, as the funding grant was announced.
“This initiative will not only boost economic growth but also create amazing opportunities for people in some of the region’s most disadvantaged areas.
The team behind Salford’s beloved Black Friar set to take over popular Chorlton pub
Danny Jones
The talented culinary team behind the stunning Black Friar pub in Salford are set to take over a new site at a historic old pub in Chorlton: the beloved Horse and Jockey.
As one of the longest-standing and most charming spots on Chorlton Green, The Horse and Jockey public house dates all the way back to 1512 and has remained a regular watering hole for native boozers since the 19th century.
Having been operated by legendary local beermasters, Joseph Holt Brewery, from 2012 onwards, it’s remained a popular spot for generations of punters and ‘The Inn of the Green’ is still the go-to for so many of those who live and work nearby.
Nevertheless, The Horse and Jockey is now set to be taken over by the duo who rebooted a fellow site of Manc hospitality heritage are turning their attention to a new gastropub project.
The Horse and Jockey Inn on the Green, Chorlton-cum-Hardy (Credit: Adam Bruderer via Flickr)
Announcing the redevelopment plans at the start of this month, owner Neil Burke and Executive Chef Ben Chaplin is set to oversee the next chapter for the 200-year-old community pub.
The current Black Friar team has been in place for just over four years now and has very quickly turned what used to be a casual working men’s boozer into a lovingly restored English pub and restaurant with a beautiful outdoor terrace and back garden.
Known for classic but elevated pub grub, proper homemade pies, regularly rotating seasonal menus, a carefully curated cocktail and drinks menu, along with the elegant updated interior, it’s come a long way from its rebirth in 2021.
Having proved their revitalising powers with the Grade II-listed building, which had sat derelict for more than a decade and a half, Burke is using his experience and knowledge as a local resident of the central Manchester suburb to bring a new lease of life to The Horse and Jockey.
Formerly a regional manager of the Jamie Oliver Restaurant Group, before teaming up with Chaplin to take on their own challenge, Chorlton Green’s treasured public house has been something he’s dreamed about for some time.
Speaking on the upcoming overhaul, Neil said: “Myself and Ben are champing at the bit to get the Horse and Jockey living up to its full potential. As with the Black Friar, we want to create a pub that heavily focuses on great British produce in a beautiful environment.
Neil and BenThe Black Friar stunned this past springCredit: Supplied/The Manc Eats
“We’re over the moon to be taking on a true suburban gem that’s all about the community. The Horse and Jockey will be a place where everyone is welcome, whether they’re popping in for a pint, having a roast after a leisurely Sunday walk, or throwing a bash to celebrate a milestone.”
Set to reopen following a major revamp this autumn, Joseph Holt will continue to run the cherished Chorlton pub in the interim while the refurbishments are completed.
Those passionate about keeping that authentic, traditional feel will also be glad to hear that original features like the bright white visage, wooden beams will be kept intact and complemented by a stripped-back decor, heritage colours and more cosy furnishings.
Looking to make this a more dining-led venue than just another bar that happens to serve food, they promise all the usual pub grub favourites, premium á la carte dishes, weekly specials and “a fresh take on The Black Friar’s legendary Sunday roasts.”
Better yet, there’ll still be Holt ales to be enjoyed as well as a new dedicated wine list designed specifically to pair with the new foodie lineup.
We can’t wait to see how it turns out, and you keep your eyes peeled HERE for more updates.
The Manc -
24th June 2021 
