Social impact developer CAPITAL&CENTRIC has released new images of the first apartment to complete at their Crusader Mill development off Chapeltown Street in Manchester.
Crusader, which recently featured in the BBC2 documentary Manctopia, hit the headlines in 2017 when locals were given ‘first dibs’ on the loft-style apartments and investors were banned.
The images show how the iconic mill, built around 1830, is being lovingly restored into one and two bed apartments with exposed brickwork, original cast iron columns and wooden beams, and huge windows.
Along with neighbouring owner occupier community Phoenix, Crusader forms part of the emerging Piccadilly East neighbourhood, nestled between Piccadilly and Ancoats, which was recently named by The Times as one of the next greatest places to live.
Tim Heatley, co-founder of CAPITAL&CENTRIC said:
“Crusader is packed with history, but that’s meant it’s been challenging. Stuff that we couldn’t have ever foreseen that’s caused us and our buyers some delays. We can’t wait to welcome our residents and really appreciate how they’ve beared with us.
“But ultimately we weren’t going to cut corners. This building is so iconic, with such great features, we have to do it justice. Once part of Manchester’s Cottonopolis, the building gives the loft apartments tons of industrial character that oozes from the exposed bricks, beams and huge windows that soak the apartments in light. This was the first project we brought forward in Piccadilly East – it’s our baby! – so it’s awesome to see it nearing completion.”
The first residents are anticipated to move into Crusader in March. The final phase of apartments are now available to buy with two-beds starting at £299,000 and one-beds from £200,000, some of which are only available to First Time Buyers using the Help to Buy scheme.
All residents get access to Crusader’s lush, green courtyard, with fire pits and barbeques, while some of the penthouse apartments have private roof terraces. The apartments will be dog friendly and benefit from a 24/7 concierge.
First time Crusader buyer James Lomas said:
“I’d not long started saving for a deposit when I saw Crusader Mill was available with Help to Buy so thought I’d have a nosey. As soon as I saw it I completely fell in love and knew it was the one for me. So, I spoke to my parents and, after a bit of convincing, they agreed to provide the rest of the deposit. I wasn’t expecting to buy something so soon but there was no way I was missing out.”
Crusader buyer Jo Beswick said:
“The design and layout of the apartments are really, really well thought out. The windows flood the room with light, the beams are just gorgeous and the exposed brick gives it character. We knew straight away this was the one for us! The whole aspect of it being for residents only is great. We wanted a community and we’re really excited to be here.”
