Manchester-based award-winning photographer and writer Len Grant has been commissioned by Great Places Housing Group to produce a book documenting the history and £10m renovation of the Ancoats Dispensary in Manchester.
The venture supported by Manchester City Council, contractors Eric Wright Construction, Turner and Townsend and PGIM looks to celebrate changes from how the building will look in the future, how people remember it in the 20th and early 21st century, as well as referring to local archives.
The completed book looks to incorporate photography, interviews, and archive material working in partnership with a range of heritage and history organisations to cover the landmark’s 149-year history and its current transformation.
Community involvement is a key part of the year-long project and will include working with local resident volunteers and schools.
Pupils from St Anne’s Primary School were recently invited to a tour of the current site to hear about the history of the Dispensary and draw and paint aspects of the building for inclusion in the completed publication.
The Ancoats Dispensary on Old Mill Street close to Manchester city centre, was built in 1874 to provide healthcare for the city’s growing population alongside the Royal Infirmary.
Thousands of Manchester’s residents used the hospital. In 1974, the building was designated a Grade II listed building, due to its architectural and historical importance as home to the country’s first fracture clinic and Manchester’s first radiology department.
The Dispensary was closed in 1987, when all services were transferred to North Manchester General Hospital.
The site remained vacant until earlier this year when plans were revealed to transform the building into 39 one and two bed apartments for affordable rent.
The design, by Buttress Architects will preserve as much of the original Grade 2 listed facade as possible including the much-loved Old Mill Street and Lampwick Lane facades.
Commenting on the project, Len Grant, said: “This is a dream commission for me.
“I’ve been fortunate throughout my 30-year photographic career to have documented significant projects in the city’s transformation and the Ancoats Dispensary book continues that work.
“The Dispensary is close to the hearts of so many local people and I hope, through a combination of treasured memories, archive material and, of course, the story of its current conversion, I can produce a book that celebrates both its significant past and its bright future.”
Matthew Harrison, chief executive at Great Places Housing Group, added: “We’re delighted to have Len on board to document this landmark project.
“Len’s plans look to incorporate our desire to involve members of local community and partners in the creation of this unique publication.
“We hope that the finished book will provide a permanent record of this important project, acknowledging the Dispensary’s rich historic past as well as charting its current transformation as we look to herald a new era for one of the local area’s most cherished landmarks.”
James Eager, director Eric Wright Construction, said: “We are incredibly proud to be playing a part in the restoration of the historic Ancoats Dispensary and to have its history and restoration documented in this way is testament to the building’s significance and its place local history.
“Our construction team has extensive experience in the sensitive redevelopment of Grade II listed buildings and its redesign ensures that it will continue to meet the future needs of the community of Ancoats.”
Work is scheduled to be completed in December 2023. Copies of final publication will be given to local residents, supporters and other groups involved in the project in Autumn next year.
Image: Pupils from St Anne’s Primary School visit the Ancoats Dispensary
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