The company behind the £70m transformation of Manchester’s former Debenhams building have issued a new update, saying that work is already underway at the site.
In a new statement, global real estate investment firm AM Alpha said that the main works will kick in in 2023 – the building is set to complete in early 2025.
The plans for the iconic Grade II-listed Rylands building include a four-storey extension on the roof, facilitating 10 floors of office space, plus a shopping arcade and a leisure area.
There’ll be space left for restaurant businesses when the refurbishment completes.
The building, which stands on the corner of Market Street and High Street, has been empty since 2021 when the department store collapsed.
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The stunning art deco building has become something of a heartbreaking eyesore with its boarded-up windows in such a prominent location.
The four-storey extension to Debenhams planned by AM Alpha. Credit: AM Alpha
But AM Alpha’s complete refurbishment and modernisation is set to bring it back to life, with enabling works underway now.
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Stephan Schmid, Senior Vice President at AM alpha: “Working with listed buildings is always a great privilege.
“We are proud to be able to give this historic Manchester landmark a new future and restore Rylands to its former glory in a very sustainable way. In this way, we are also helping to achieve Greater Manchester’s 2038 carbon neutrality target.”
Local construction company Russell WBHO, which specialises in listed and sustainable projects, will act as a construction partner for the project, while local property companies OBI and Barker Proudlove have been appointed as letting agents.
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“It’s fantastic working with AM alpha on such an exciting project in our home town. Rylands is a well-known, impressive building,” says Will Lewis, founding director at OBI. “The property is close to bustling areas such as Piccadilly Gardens and the Northern Quarter and will appeal to many local businesses. Due to the sought-after location, we already see a lot of interest from potential future tenants.”
Gareth Russell, founder and managing director of Russell WBHO: “We are delighted to be working with AM alpha to revitalise the historic Rylands building and position it in the market as a highly sustainable building. With our extensive experience in historic preservation and sustainable building, we will make AM Alpha’s vision a reality.”
Featured image: AM Alpha
Property
Plans to build tower next to Manchester’s historic Britons Protection pub scrapped
Danny Jones
Punters, rejoice: plans to build a large apartment tower next to Manchester’s Britons Protection pub have reportedly been scrapped after a long, drawn-out process and widespread protests.
What a relief.
One of the city’s oldest boozers, the Britons Protection was due to be dwarfed by a large development reaching 26 storeys tall, which not only would have encroached on the cultural landmark and storied watering hole, but also blocked out its popular beer garden to the rear.
We’ve seen a similar loss of outdoor drinking space with the recent St Michael’s development, which has essentially removed the equally historic Sir Ralph Abercromby pub – though it is at least getting a refurb – but in truth, the ‘Protect the Protection’ fight has been going on much longer.
As per a notice published on Manchester City Council’s website this week, it now appears that the plans for 72 new flats have been cancelled, with developers Arrowsmith Management having officially withdrawn their application.
Run by Bahraini businessman Mohamed Abbas Haji, the company is now said to be reassessing its options for the ‘Apex Tower’ proposals.
Speaking to the BBC, Mark Brennan – who took over the pub back in January 2025 – said: “I’m quite happy to be honest, a lot of people say the pub might be busier with more people about, but that doesn’t necessarily translate to people coming in here.”
“It would have looked horrendous… It’s Grade II-listed, so the pub should always be here. It wouldn’t have been a good look, having a big ugly building on top of our building.”
Countless Mancunians have echoed the sentiment over the past few years, with appeals dating back to post-pandemic and a big awareness push in 2021.
Standing for more than two centuries and holding countless awards, it was never going to go quietly.
It also happens to be quite comfortably on our list of the cosiest pubs in Manchester and has been since day dot.
Anyone who’s been in will know the sense of a warm welcome the place always puts out, and we’re overjoyed to hear that years of petitions and campaigning to save it have paid off.
These stories don’t always end with the right outcome (not often enough, anyway), so we’ll definitely be raising a glass to the Britons Protected this weekend.
Unfortunately, we do still have some other sad news from the hospitality sector, as our oldest Manc publican has passed away at a fellow favourite pub.
When it comes to those incredible facilities, we’re talking a gym, a yoga studio, three outdoor terraces with views across the city, study spaces, a private dining room, a gaming lounge, and free laundry. Not to mention a coffee lounge with free tea, coffee, and breakfast cereals.
They truly have thought of everything to allow students to thrive and make the most of the Manchester life, including running social events, co-working spaces, and mental health support.
This is Fusion Manchester’s brand new state-of-the-art student accommodation in Deansgate / Credit: Darren Robinson Photography (Supplied)
And as for the location? Well that’s just the cherry on top.
Fusion Manchester is nestled in the heart of Deansgate, making it less than a five-minute walk to Deansgate Train Station or tram stop, as well as being in prime proximity to the University of Manchester and Manchester Metropolitan University which are both around 20 minutes away on foot – ideal when you’re running late for a class.
It also could not be in a better spot for making plans on the weekends with new friends, as it’s just a stones-throw away from some of the best cafes, restaurants, concert and retail spaces that Manchester has to offer.
The rooms boast incredible panoramic views / Credit: Darren Robinson Photography (Supplied)
All residents’ rent covers their utilities, superfast Wi-Fi, free laundry, regular housekeeping and access to shared facilities, as well as the building having a 24/7 reception, secure fob entry, and CCTV throughout, to keep students feeling nice and safe.
Rooms range from en-suite accommodations at £265 per week, to classic, premium, or deluxe studios from £345 per week – but hurry, as they’re booking up fast and it’s not hard to see why.
Daisy Jackson -
14th November 2022 
