AVRO

Set within a Grade II*-listed Victorian mill in Manchester’s Northern Quarter, this two-bedroom apartment forms part of an award-winning redevelopment by Urban Splash, offering retained mill features and communal gardens.

 

Built in 1825 as Brownsfield Mill, the building later became the birthplace of A.V. Roe & Co. (Avro), pioneers of British aviation whose company would go on to build the iconic Lancaster and Vulcan aircraft. Today, AVRO stands as a celebrated example of adaptive reuse, recognised with RIBA awards for its sensitive restoration and architectural clarity.

 

The Space

 

The apartment is accessed via both lift and the building's historic winding staircase. Upon entry, original exposed brickwork lines one wall of the apartment and original mill-board ceilings run overhead, continuing throughout the home. Engineered oak flooring flows underfoot, guiding you through the apartment, into the main living space, and beyond.

 

The living space sits at the heart of the plan, comfortably zoned for both relaxed living and dining. Expansive warehouse windows, retained steel beams, and columns anchor the apartment firmly in its industrial context. Turning the corner, the kitchen unfolds in an L-shaped arrangement, introducing a clean, contemporary counterpoint. White and grey cabinetry offers ample storage, paired with integrated appliances and an oversized island that houses the hob. The island doubles as a breakfast bar with seating for four, creating a natural hub for cooking, dining, and entertaining, with tiled flooring underfoot. A utility cupboard sits within the kitchen for additional storage.

 

At the far end of the plan, two well-proportioned bedrooms are arranged alongside a family bathroom. Both bedrooms continue the engineered oak flooring and retained mill features, carrying the home's material language.

 

The principal bedroom benefits from an en-suite bathroom, where a walk-in rainfall shower is paired with ceramic wall and floor tiling, a vanity basin with storage below, and a heated towel rail. The main bathroom mirrors this specification, featuring a bath with overhead shower, ceramic tiling, vanity storage, and a heated towel rail.

 

The apartment further benefits from video entry, CCTV, secure indoor bike storage, and well-maintained communal areas including a shared garden.

 

The Area

 

AVRO sits beside the Rochdale Canal in the heart of the Northern Quarter - one of Manchester’s most creative districts. Nestled in the heart of the city, this hub is home to an eclectic blend of some of Manchester’s best restaurants, coffee shops, and independent stores. Local favourites include Mackie Mayor, coffee spots such as Federal and Foundation, and design-led retailers including Nordic Muse and Deadstock General Store. Cultural destinations like Egoiste Gallery and Unitom Bookshop add depth, while music venues such as Band on the Wall and Night & Day Café underline the area’s long-standing creative energy.

 

Just across the canal, Ancoats has emerged as one of the city’s most exciting culinary neighbourhoods. Pollen Bakery draws early-morning queues for its pastries, while Flawd offers natural wines beside the water. Michelin-starred Mana, The Edinburgh Castle, and Rudy’s Pizza are all close by, alongside a growing number of independent bars and eateries.

 

Families are well served by several primary and secondary schools rated ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted. 

 

Manchester Piccadilly and Manchester Victoria train stations are both within a 10-minute walk, with Piccadilly offering direct trains to London Euston in just over two hours. For drivers, the M56, M60, and M62 are easily accessible, and Manchester International Airport is just 25 minutes by car.