A complex and tight site in the heart of Manchester’s Northern Quarter, the Conservation Area status entails an element of façade retention of the historic former Bull’s Head Pub. This scheme comprises part 11, part seven and part five storey accommodation, stepping down on one end acknowledging the smaller scale of Thomas and Turner Street. The scheme provides 38 apartments over street level ‘boutique’ commercial units – synonymous with the Northern Quarter – and appropriate for independent retailers. Due to its superb central location, the design and quality of materials are to be of a very high standard, which when completed will be a landmark building for the City. The design of this building results from a long process of negotiation with the local authorities and input from a wide and comprehensive consultant team. The design intent was to create a high quality building, which responded acutely to its context. The subsequent design was in response to the specifics of the keyhole site and the Victorian Urban Grain. We designed different levels to respond to the heights of the surrounding buildings and it was detailed materially to fit – for example, the brick selected matched a Victorian style. The scheme is contemporary in its design, but follows the Victorian proportions of the adjacent street. It was also designed with the end-user in mind, natural well-lit apartments with balconies and access to roof terraces. There is also a communal courtyard.