Landmark listed buildings of Manchester
Over the years, Trace Basement Systems has worked on some of the UK’s most iconic and historic buildings, delivering specialist solutions in waterproofing, structural repairs, and heritage preservation. From museum renovations to landmark office conversions, this article highlights a selection of projects where Trace’s expertise has helped protect and adapt these structures for modern use.
By James Hockey
Here are some landmark Projects by Trace Basement Systems
1. London Road Fire Station, Manchester
Scope: Rot treatment and roof repairs
This Grade II* listed building, dating back to 1906 and features in the BBC's Peaky Blinders, is renowned for its distinctive Edwardian Baroque architecture. Allied London is transforming it into a luxury hotel and event space, and employed Trace to complete all of the necessary structural timber repairs.
Links: https://www.londonroadfirestation.com/
2. Reform Building, Manchester
Scope: Basement waterproofing
Basements at The Reform Building (also known as the 'Manchester Club'), a Grade II* listed structure, underwent extensive refurbishment and conversion to restaurant space. Trace provided design guidance and condition records to support listed building consent, before implementing localised waterproofing solutions to ensure a dry space, facilitating the proposed usage. Some innovative methods were employed here to achieve the required outcome, all while duly considering preservation of the historic fabric.
3. Oldham Heritage & Arts Centre
Scope: Basement waterproofing
Trace served on the design team, working through and agreeing detailed waterproofing designs, which we then implemented, to protect within basement plant rooms and ground floor public realm areas (where earth retaining).
Links: https://hla.oldham.gov.uk/
4. 105 Princess Street, Manchester
Scope: Structural timber works
Originally built in 1860 as shipping warehouses, these buildings have been converted into modern apartments. Trace's expertise in structural timber works was pivotal in preserving the building's integrity during the conversion.
5. Whitworth Art Gallery, Manchester
Scope: Rot treatment, window and roof spire repairs, lime plastering, and repointing.
Established in 1887, the Whitworth Art Gallery is a Grade II listed building. Its recent £15 million redevelopment doubled its public space, integrating modern design with historic architecture. Our work here included protecting a wall against dampness, upon which hangs a painting insured for 8 figures.
Links: https://www.whitworth.manchester.ac.uk/
6. Macintosh Mill, Manchester
Scope: Apartment conversion with structural and waterproofing works.
7. 48 King Street (Belstaff's Store), Manchester
Scope: Specialist structural input
Located in Manchester's historic King Street, this building required specialised structural solutions to accommodate modern retail requirements without compromising its heritage.
Links: https://kingstreetmcr.co.uk/belstaff-unveils-new-king-street-manchester-store/
8. Royal Exchange, Manchester
Scope: Localised waterproofing
Overview: A Grade II* listed building, the Royal Exchange has been repurposed from a trading hall to a theatre. Trace's localised waterproofing ensured the building's preservation and functionality.
9. Beetham Tower, Manchester
Scope: Waterproofing advice
As one of Manchester's tallest buildings, Beetham Tower posed unique challenges. Trace provided expert advice to address issues effectively.
10. Great Northern, Manchester
Scope: Localised waterproofing and remedial works to shop areas
A mixed-use development, the Great Northern complex required specialised waterproofing solutions to protect its retail spaces.
Links: https://www.thegreatnorthern.com/
11. The Old Wellington, Manchester
Scope: Inspections and reports
Dating back to the 16th century, The Old Wellington is one of Manchester's oldest buildings. Trace conducted thorough inspections to assess its condition and recommend necessary interventions.
Links: https://www.nicholsonspubs.co.uk/restaurants/northwest/theoldwellingtonmanchester#/
12. John Rylands Library, Manchester
Scope: Surveys and structural advice
Overview: A Grade I listed library, the John Rylands Library required detailed surveys and expert structural advice to ensure its preservation and continued use.
Links: https://www.library.manchester.ac.uk/rylands/visit/
13. Manchester Central, Manchester
Scope: Basement waterproofing
Overview: Formerly known as the G-Mex Centre, Manchester Central is a major conference and exhibition venue. Trace's waterproofing solutions ensured the vaulted basement areas remained dry and functional.
14. Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI), Manchester
Scope: Timber repair works
Housed in a former railway station, MOSI required specialised timber repair works to maintain the structural integrity of its historic buildings.
Links: https://www.scienceandindustrymuseum.org.uk/
15. Printing Press, Manchester
Scope: Comprehensive waterproofing to apartments
Overview: A historic printing facility, the building required a comprehensive waterproofing system to protect its structure and contents.
16. Barton Arcade, Manchester
Scope: Specialist advice and inspections
Overview: A Victorian shopping arcade, Barton Arcade required expert advice and inspections to address its unique structural challenges.
17. Ashton Old Baths, Manchester
Scope: Structural timber repair
Overview: Trace carried out a comprehensive package of structural and preservation works, including timber repairs to the main trusses, floors, roof, and lintels, along with the installation of new truss members to strengthen the structure. The project also involved damp-proofing and preservative treatments to protect the building fabric, complemented by Helifix structural reinforcement to stabilise areas of weakened brickwork.
Links: https://www.ashtonoldbaths.co.uk
18. The Midland Hotel, Manchester
Scope: Damp proofing (penetrating dampness)
Overview: An Edwardian grand and baroque architecturaly styled building, similar to that of London Road Fire station. The building is grade II* listed and with a complex/detailed facade, suffered issues of penetrating dampness to the interior. Trace were commissioned to design and install remedial measures to protect the internal accomodation.
19. Sunlight House, Manchester
Scope: Basement waterproofing
Overview: Once Manchester's tallest building, Sunlight House is a 1930's Art Deco tower. Trace designed and installed structural waterproofing to protect the basement space.
20. Hardman Square (Spinningfields), Manchester
Scope: Structural waterproofing
Overview: Trace have inspected, advised upon, and have implemented works within a variety of areas within this substantial subterranean space, considering localised issues of ingress through the deck over, and through parts of the concrete basement structure beneath.
These projects showcase Trace Basement Systems' expertise in delivering tailored solutions for a diverse range of landmark buildings, ensuring their preservation and functionality for future generations.
Links: https://www.visitmanchester.com/listing/barton-arcade/264101/
We provide a single point of responsibility protecting all stakeholders.
We take full accountability for the waterproofing process, serving as a single point of responsibility to ensure seamless coordination and execution. This approach protects all stakeholders by minimising risk, eliminating communication gaps, and ensuring the highest standards of quality and reliability throughout the project.
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