We’re all for keeping and celebrating our heritage here in Manchester, and now a good old MOT garage in the city centre is making a change that’ll raise a few eyebrows. Blossom Motor Co. in Manchester has had plans approved to transform into Blossom Market, a gorgeous new food hall that’ll be nestled in the side streets of Ancoats.
The proposal would create eight self-contained commercial units, featuring a central corridor with through access from Henry Street to Gun Street in Ancoats. Prospective occupiers would be small or emerging independent businesses which would be “procured by the applicant to ensure that they are within the spirit of this ethos.”
In terms of design, the existing roller shutters along the Henry Street elevation would be removed, with the existing openings being partially infilled with a new external wall, completed in matching buff brick – in keeping with the post-industrial surroundings. A set of bespoke bi-folding metal doors coloured blue would form the main access off Henry Street, with four windows also being inserted, giving Blossom Market as much light as possible for a mid-street establishment with thin streets either side.
The existing timber doors along Gun Street would be removed and replaced with a bespoke bi-folding doors, and roof works would comprise of the installation of a central extract duct and a roof light in the northern roof slope – giving Blossom Market a light, fresh feel.
Given the ground floor, one-storey nature of the building – with no plans to extend upwards – Blossom Market is set to be pretty accessible. There would be two accessible WCs, and the layout is set to be navigable for wheelchairs and prams.
Pretty rare for Manchester, Blossom Market is set to be a car-free development with servicing and deliveries taking place from along Gun Street, and delivery and collection vehicles then utilising Blossom Street for access to neighbouring A-roads (Great Ancoats Street and Oldham Road). Blossom Market’s city centre location ensures that the site is within walking distance of sustainable transport, making it a highly sustainable location for generations to come.
The plan for Blossom Market is to ensure it stays in keeping with the character of Ancoats, that being characteristic red brick, industrial elements and even harking back to the original use as an MOT garage, “particularly adding to and enhancing the sense of place”. The proposal responds to local context and its design would be appropriate – the alterations to the building are modest and complement its character and that of the local area ensuring any changes are acceptable with the conservation area.
The plan ensures Blossom Market will insert into the Ancoats and New Islington Neighbourhood Development Framework (2016 and 2020), and as such states: “The site is a long standing use within the Ancoats area offering vehicle repairs and MOT testing.
“The applicant, whilst no longer wishing to continue with the garage, wishes to retain the building and overall management of the site and introduce a bespoke use. The existing building and industrial aesthetic would be retained and a refreshed commercial offer, which would be attractive to independent retailers, would be introduced at the site.”
In terms of disruption to neighbours, the plan states: “The development would generate a degree of noise and disturbance from comings and goings which could be noticeable depending on the time of the day. The applicant has indicated that the premises would close no later than 23:00.”
The proposed hours of opening for Blossom Market are Monday – Sunday (Including Bank Holidays), 07:00 – 23:00, making it the perfect spot in Manchester for food, drinks and family fun.
The plans have been approved, and we will keep you up to date with any developments – there is no projected timescale for the development as of yet.