The Manchester Law Library is an impressive Grade II listed building. Designed by Thomas Hartas and built by William Bolt in 1884-5, the Manchester Law Library has been home to the Manchester Incorporated Law Library Society (MILLS) and a collection of legal reference volumes (some of which date back to the 17th century) for well over a century.
The Law Library was built in the Venetian-Gothic style, which was popular in the 14th and 15th centuries, then saw a revival in the 19th century, with other examples of Venetian-Gothic buildings in Manchester including the Memorial Hall on Albert Square and the Manchester Reform Club on Spring Gardens, both of which have been redeveloped into restaurant-bars (Albert Square Chophouse and Room, respectively).
The building has recently been placed with Philip James Manchester for sale and presents a fantastic opportunity for future development; other period buildings in the area have been developed and have multiple uses, restaurants with office space above, or full office buildings behind their period facades. The building also has potential to be converted into stunning apartments, dependent on securing the relevant planning permissions.
High ceilings, winding staircases, sash windows and traditional fireplaces all add to the building’s appeal. There are three storeys as well as two basement levels. The three storeys are all currently used as originally intended, as home to MILLS and the legal resources they hold. The ground floor houses the Main Library, the expansive Reading Room on the first floor boasts a stained glass ceiling feature and there are leased offices on the second floor.
The proportions would suit a wide variety of uses including both residential and commercial, the building just needs someone with the perfect vision to realise this historical building’s potential.
If you would like to learn more about this opportunity, or to arrange an appointment to view the building, contact Rob Cuffe on 0161 828 8200 or via email robcuffe@philipjames.co.uk
