Leading architect and historic building consultant, Purcell Miller Tritton have been appointed by the largest privately owned hotel group in the UK , Britannia Hotels, to gain planning consent for a new hotel within the iconic London Road Fire and Police Station building in Manchester. Dating back to 1906 it was at one time reputed to be the largest Fire Station in the World at a colossal 16,600 Sq Metres.
The grade II* listed building is one of 1396 buildings on the English Heritage buildings at risk register. It is a complex mixed-use facility incorporating the fire station, the police station complete with cells ,a bank, the coroner’s court and a gas testing station and has been utilised as a storage depot for at least the past 15 years, and Purcell Miller Tritton have been appointed to submit a listed building application. The project is sited opposite Piccadilly Station in the heart of
James Sanderson, a Principle at Purcell Miller Tritton said “Our role is currently outlined as gaining planning permission and detailed listed building consent whilst conserving many of the buildings early 20th century features. The external fabric of the structure is highly ornate, constructed largely in delicate terracotta and faience tiling with a myriad of fine sculpture and detail.
James went on to add “It is likely that we will be installing a large atrium in the internal courtyard made from E.T.F.E. pillows stitched together to form the covering. The rest of the building will be carefully repaired and restored. Purcell Miller Tritton hope to gain planning permission by the Spring.
Mark Goldspink Chief Executive of Purcell Miller Tritton said, “This is our first substantive scheme in Manchester and Britannia are the kind of imaginative and exciting client with whom we are looking forward to working with in the city.”