Property
A historic Manchester mill is on the hunt for an artist to create a five-storey street art mural
Got some artistic flair? This could be the job for you. Words by Katie Heath.
The Manc -
9th April 2024 
The huge face of a historic Manchester mill is currently being offered up as a blank canvas, ready for a local artist to add to the city’s flourishing art scene.
Developers Capital & Centric are on the hunt for a talented muralist to deliver a striking, permanent piece in Piccadilly East.
And it’s a big one – the successful artist will be tasked with designing a piece for the five-storey west side wall on Neptune Mill.
They’ll also be in charge of the tower rising above it and a smaller spot, with developers looking for a bold, impactful design.
The plan is that the huge mural will help to turn the building into an eye-catching fixture in the city and turn the heads of Manchester’s passionate art seekers.
The paid commission will be completed before residents move in this summer.
Neptune Mill, a 19th century building on Chapeltown Street, is currently being converted into 22,000 sq ft of creative workspaces.
Original features like exposed brick, timber beams, huge windows and cast iron columns will be retained, along with contemporary elements.
And Capital & Centric themselves – who are also behind huge projects in Manchester like Kampus and Stockport’s Weir Mill – will be moving their HQ into the building.
As they announce the hunt for a muralist, they’ve also released a new artist impression of a lush new courtyard with outdoor seating for a ground floor coffee shop.
Tom Wilmot, joint managing director at Capital&Centric, said: “Manchester’s street art scene is thriving, bringing colour and creativity to the city’s streets.
“Increasingly, some of the pieces are connected to brands and only available for a short spell for people to marvel at. We want to hand over Neptune Mill to a talented artist to paint the piece they’ve always wanted to deliver, creating a permanent fixture on Manchester’s scene.
“The piece will mark the start of the building’s next chapter as a five-storey hub for businesses that want a creative, beautiful base.
“The on-site coffee shop and new courtyard will be really cool spaces where people can spend time and meet like-minded neighbouring businesses.
“Work on site’s progressing well and the first occupiers will be able to move in and call Neptune home this summer.”
So, if you’ve got artistic flair, this could be the job for you.
Those wanting to express interest in the paid-for street art commission, new workspaces available this summer, and the opportunity to operate the coffee shop can contact: [email protected] or visit www.capitalandcentric.com/neptune-mill
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Featured image: Supplied
