Secret Garden at Islington Wharf

Islington Wharf Apartments

Earlier this year I had the pleasure of listening to Sir Howard Bernstein, Chief Executive of Manchester City Council, explain his vision for the future of Manchester. In particular Sir Howard talked about plans to expand and regenerate the city centre. One area he targeted was Ancoats, historically a tough mill area on the eastern edge of the city centre, but under Sir Howard’s leadership this is changing. The Islington Wharf development by Isis is the new landmark on Great Ancoats Street and less than ten minutes walk from city centre.

The apartments feature quirky angular shaped rooms that won’t be to everyone’s taste and will require some creative thinking when furnishing, however they are light and airy with great views on the higher floors. Kitchens come complete with fridge, freezer and dishwasher; washer/dryers are also included but located in various utility/store cupboards. The 3, 4 and 5 bed apartments I viewed came with an impressive array of balconies, terraces or private gardens, that’s right gardens, with grass! On top of the second floor is a large communal area nicknamed 'Secret Garden' complete with garden furniture, barbeque area and a spectacular view of the City of Manchester stadium. Several duplex apartments have their own private fenced off garden.

Secret Garden

Externally the brown cladding creates mixed opinion but the copper alloy it’s made from reduces heat loss from the building. Isis is part owned by British Waterways who also own the land Islington Wharf is built on; as such the Ashton Canal running alongside the development has been renovated and landscaped to provide a more pleasant setting. Isis is apparently in talks with a leisure provider to open a fitness suite in one of the commercial outlets on the ground floor of the development. Parking is also available on the ground floor at an extra cost and like the rest of the development includes a high level of security.

If Sir Howard’s plans for the city continue to be realised, Ancoats could well be the next fashionable part of the city to live, and at under £290,000 for a 4 bedroom apartment, Islington Wharf presents a very tempting opportunity.