Excelsior Works, Castlefield, Manchester

Set on the fourth floor of Excelsior Works in historic Castlefield, this two-bedroom apartment occupies the site of the former Excelsior printing and bookbinding works - once the largest of its kind in the UK. The 2020 redevelopment, delivered by Mulbury City and designed by Manchester architects Tim Groom with interiors by YOUTH Studio, carefully references the area’s industrial past through its deep red brick façade and robust material palette.

Behind the building’s heritage-informed exterior, the apartment offers light-filled contemporary living with canal-facing views, parking, access to landscaped communal spaces, and the convenience of a concierge service.

The Space

Upon entry, storage sits immediately to the right, while the main bathroom is positioned ahead. From here, the home opens into an open-plan kitchen, dining, and living space, with bedrooms arranged to either side of the plan.

Floor-to-ceiling glazing draws natural light deep into the living space and frames views across the canal. A Juliet balcony sits within the glazing, while Cavalio flooring runs underfoot, creating a clean and cohesive finish.

The kitchen is arranged in an L-shape, with ink-stained oak cabinetry - a subtle reference to the site’s printing heritage - paired with a concrete-effect worktop and white vertical stack-tiled splashback. Integrated Bosch appliances are seamlessly incorporated, resulting in a kitchen that feels both refined and highly functional.

Both bedrooms enjoy canal-facing outlooks. The principal bedroom benefits from a private en-suite shower room, while the second bedroom offers flexibility for guests, working from home, and offers built-in wardrobes.

The en-suite and main bathroom share a cohesive material palette. The main bathroom features a bath with overhead shower, while the en-suite provides a walk-in rainfall shower. Both are finished with grey marble-effect wall tiling, contrasting black floor tiles, built-in vanity storage, and heated towel rails, creating calm, contemporary spaces.

The Building

Excelsior Works provides communal areas, including a residents’ roof garden offering panoramic views across Castlefield Basin and the Manchester skyline. A concierge service supports daily convenience, while secure cycle storage and underground parking enhance the building’s city-living credentials.

The Area

From the front door, the canal towpath is immediately accessible for walking to Manchester City Centre or Salford Quays. Castlefield’s cafés, bars, and restaurants are all within a short walk. Castlefield Basin provides a scenic waterside setting with walking routes and a selection of relaxed eateries, while the Bridgewater Canal - widely regarded as Britain’s first canal - winds through the district. Nearby, the Castlefield Viaduct has been reimagined as an elevated urban park, offering a unique perspective over the cityscape.

The apartment is also within walking distance of Deansgate and Spinningfields, two of Manchester’s most vibrant districts. Deansgate is lined with independent cafés, bars, and restaurants, while Spinningfields is home to some of the city’s best dining, shopping, and cultural venues.

For connectivity, Cornbrook Tram Stop is just a five-minute walk away, and Deansgate Train Station can be reached in under fifteen minutes, linking the area to the wider city and beyond. The M56, M60, and M62 motorways are easily accessible, and for international travel, Manchester Airport is around a 30-minute journey by car or train.