AVRO, Northern Quarter, Manchester

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, communal gardens, and secure parking.

Originally opened in 1825 as Brownsfield Mill, the building later became home to A.V. Roe & Co., pioneers of British aviation and manufacturers of 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, offering a tactile reminder of the mill’s past. Entry is into a generous hallway where original exposed brickwork lines one wall and original mill-board ceilings run overhead - a material language that continues throughout the home. Engineered oak flooring flows underfoot, guiding you through the apartment and into the main living space beyond. A utility cupboard and cloak area sit neatly within the hallway, creating a defined entrance that subtly separates arrival from the living areas.

Turning the corner, the main living, kitchen, and dining space opens ahead. A bedroom and bathroom are arranged to either side, while the living space unfolds at the centre of the plan. At the far end, an additional bedroom offers an en-suite and built-in storage.

The living space is defined by scale and texture. Expansive warehouse windows frame views across the communal garden, the Rochdale Canal, and the evolving city skyline beyond, with dual-aspect outlooks to the east and south drawing in natural light throughout the day. Exposed brick walls, original mill-board ceilings, and retained steel beams anchor the apartment firmly in its industrial context.

The kitchen introduces 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. Space is also comfortably zoned for a dining table with pendant lighting, and a generous living area.

Both bedrooms are well-proportioned and finished with neutral carpeting. The principal bedroom includes built-in wardrobes and an en-suite bathroom. Here, 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 and is positioned closer to the entrance, featuring a bath with overhead shower, ceramic tiling, vanity storage, and a heated towel rail.

The apartment further benefits from a secure allocated parking space, while the building itself offers 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.