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Technical
New thinking on Manchester heritage build
CM Staff
The Grade II-listed building, on Manchester’s King Street, retains its heritage features
Chartered builder RECOM Solutions on how turning a listed city-centre building into residential property offered the opportunity to trial new methods.
Kingsgate House, a £6m project on Manchester city centre’s iconic King Street, was undertaken by RECOM Solutions as the principal contractor on behalf of asset manager DTZ Investors. This project stands as a testament to overcoming complex development challenges.
Kingsgate House has been converted into 24 one- and two-bedroomed flats across four floors, with additional ground floor and basement ancillary areas.
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Prior to RECOM’s involvement, the building consisted of three separate structures merged into one, resulting in varying levels throughout. This complexity required meticulous planning and design to ensure a smooth construction phase.
Logistical challenges
Working on a city-centre development always presents logistical challenges, but RECOM’s forward planning and collaboration with local authorities ensured suitable solutions for access and egress.
The redevelopment of the 2,230 sq m Grade II-listed building involved stripping it back to its shell and repurposing it. Key improvements included creating new entrances, ancillary spaces, cycle storage and plant areas.
A new flat roof was installed, existing external windows were refurbished with secondary glazing and LED lighting was fitted in the apartments to enhance the building’s Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating.
Secondary glazing enhanced the building’s EPC
Significant effort was made to retain the building’s heritage features, such as the original joinery, staircases and handrails. New mechanical and electrical systems, including a lift, electric heating and sprinkler systems, were also integrated.
RECOM’s team successfully navigated these challenges. This development was undoubtedly challenging, but it provided an invaluable opportunity to trial new working methods. Techniques such as LIDAR surveying and online automated services like Field View were implemented, alongside industry-leading programming software.
Successful methods of procurement
The RECOM team has come out stronger and more knowledgeable in all avenues. Operationally it has been a great building block for the supply chain but also commercially it has established successful methods of procurement and accounting procedures.
Jason McKnight, RECOM’s director, emphasised the importance of maintaining the building’s heritage and character throughout. He highlighted the collaborative effort between RECOM, AEW Architects, planning consultancy Savills, project manager CogentBC, surveyor Gateley Vinden and Manchester City Council’s planning and conservation officers.
The apartments, developed for rental, are set to be brought to market by property management company Urbanbubble.
Holly Witcomb, associate director at DTZ Investors, expressed her satisfaction with the project, noting the high level of specification and the character features.
The project stands as a testament to RECOM’s expertise in executing complex development projects. Despite the challenges, the team’s innovative approach and dedication resulted in a successful transformation, enriching both the company’s portfolio and Manchester’s architectural landscape.l
The November/December 2025 issue of Construction Management magazine is now available to read in digital format.
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