Property

The vision for Manchester’s landmark former Debenhams building

She's back!

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson - 29th November 2024

All of a sudden, several years after Debenhams closed in Manchester for good, work has suddenly ramped up on its landmark former home.

The magnificent Grade II-listed building overlooks the busy Market Street in Manchester city centre, and has done since 1932.

This art deco icon was home to Debenhams until the department store collapsed into administration in 2020, closing forever the following year.

Work to transform the building seemed to stall for a long time with it ending up covered in graffiti and becoming an eyesore as of last year.

But it’s now a bustling building site again and the start of its next chapter is well underway.

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The vision of developer AM Alpha is to bring this beauty back to its glory days, once again called Rylands.

The ambitious project of works will include the full redevelopment the existing building.

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The upper floors of the building are to be converted into high-quality office space, while a shopping arcade is also to be created on the ground floor.

AM Alpha has also revealed plans for a four-storey extension to be added to the current building, which would eventually mean that Rylands boasts 10 whole floors of mixed-use space for business, commercial, and leisure use.

It was initially set to complete in 2025 but that – obviously – now seems unlikely.

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But as the months tick on we’ll see new life trickle back into this significant corner of Manchester.

Read more: A look at Embassy Village as construction on Manchester’s homeless housing project begins

Featured image: AM Alpha / Rylands Manchester

Property

The new and improved Station Hotel is looking to become the undisputed home of sport in Alty

Danny Jones Danny Jones

The Station Hotel is no new name on the lips of Altrincham natives or those in and around Greater Manchester; chances are, plenty of you have either been or at least seen the late 19th-century pub after getting off the tram around the corner, but it’s been reborn following major renovations.

Not satisfied with a simple lick of paint or a new menu, Alty’s beloved Station looks, by and large, totally brand new, from the bar itself and every single piece of tiled floor to the brand new sports space.

There’s not only a shiny new glow coming from the soft-lit remodel; there’s now an added sense of warmth to The Station, and they’re looking to extend that welcoming feel not just to locals but the wider sporting community as well.

Having already been a go-to pre- and post-match pint spot for Manchester Storm and Alty FC, both of whom are seeing a huge surge in popularity of late, the team are looking to capitalise on those crowds and go one further.

As for catering to that audience, there’s no better example than the dedicated sports room, where, besides several of a dozen total screens, there are two fresh and premium standard pool tables, as well as one of the best examples of pub sports we’ve come across, maybe ever.

If you’re wondering what we’re on about, they’ve got actual interactive darts that don’t just give you some nice visuals, but that can be played head-to-head, against bots (yes, you can set the computer difficulty) and even online.

How does that work? Well, thanks to a built-in function on the display, you can literally face off against another player somewhere else in real-time.

So, say you happen to be throwing a few arrows in The Station comes the weekend, another punter happens to be at the oche in another Blind Tiger Inns venue – The Grosvenor over on Oxford Road in Manchester city centre, for instance – you can challenge them to a number of different games digitally.

Very cool.

Better still, the darts and the pool are completely free to use Monday to Friday right up until 7pm, and a mere £1.50 at the weekend. No wonder they had a busy opening night.

And then there’s all the deals on drinks: two for £12 on spritzes, £14 bottles of prosecco throughout the week until that same cut-off time, as well as £4 beers and large glasses of wine for as little as £6.

Be rude not to for those prices…

We especially love how the section of the pub where the old pool table and single darts board used to live is no longer the cold, almost cut-off section of the pub that used to be – it’s now one of the cosiest and most colourful parts, with a 360-padded seat, bright new mural, and one that opens out onto

Arguably the best bit, though, is one we’ll have to wait to see in its full glory just yet: the transformed patio area, with wall-to-wall bi-folding doors that will no doubt prove perfect for the summer and for when the World Cup rolls around.

Blind Tiger have, rather fittingly, played an absolute blinder with this one, and we expect the place to start a whole new chapter and fresh new reputation.

See you for a few scoops before a Storm game soon!

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Featured Images — The Manc Group

Property

A look inside the ultra-modern Stockport house with ‘bespoke’ entertainment spaces on the market for £2.35m

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant

An ultra-modern house with ‘bespoke’ entertainment spaces and interiors designed by a renowned Art Director is currently on the market in Stockport.

And if you just so happen to be sitting on £2.35 million, then it could be yours.

Now, before we all get carried away, it goes without saying that the vast majority of us won’t have the money to buy this house just chilling in bank accounts right now, but if like us, you’ve got no shame in admitting you love looking at houses you can’t afford in places you’ll probably never live, then allow us to introduce you to this absolute beauty.

This detached residence is located in the highly-sought-after Stockport suburb of Bramhall – which is known and loved for its exclusivity, while still be close to a wide range of amenities, good local schools, and links to parks and nature – and is described by estate agents as being a true one-of-a-kind creation.

This ultra-modern Stockport house is currently on the market for £2.35m / Credit: Shrigley Rose & Co

Set behind private electric gates and approached via a solid granite driveway, every element in this home has been meticulously curated to ‘make an impact’.

With accommodations arranged over five floors, just some of the highlights include, but are by no means limited to, a showpiece kitchen featuring sculpted worktops, built-in bar, and an expansive island that integrates everything needed for modern living – with floor-to-ceiling sliding doors extending out onto a beautifully decked private courtyard.

The property boasts four opulent ensuite bedrooms, including a master suite with a walk-through dressing area, built-in fire and TV, and a spa-inspired bathroom with a freestanding bath.

The one-of-a-kind house has ‘bespoke’ entertainment spaces throughout / Credit: Shrigley Rose & Co

State-of-the-art entertainment spaces, like a bespoke billiard table, a high-spec multi-purpose gym a hand-crafted Sorrel Wine Cellar, and a covered outdoor terrace, fill the property, making the home the ultimate place for hosting.

When you step foot outside the house, you’ll find it’s just as impressive as it is on the inside.

There are several landscaped outdoor ‘sanctuaries’ to enjoy all year round, no matter what the weather has in store, featuring a private terrace with slatted screens, louvered roof, sculptural fire table, integrated lighting, and lush greenery.

Read more:

Like what you see? This property is currently on the market with Stockport-based independent estate agents, Shrigley Rose & Co, for a Guide Price of £2.35 million, and if you fancy taking a closer look, then you can contact the agents to arrange a viewing.

Or you could just take the cheaper route instead and have a nosy at the Rightmove link here.

Featured Image – Shrigley Rose & Co


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