On the banks of the Bridgewater canal, in the north part of Altrincham, are two imposing blocks of modern flats and a converted factory building. These form the Budenberg Haus Projekte 2 &3 – built in 2007 and the first Foster and Partners designed development outside London. The converted factory section was refurbished and designed by Arkheion Architects. The photo is credited to Urban Splash.
I saw this development built and have lived close to it for many years – I can see it from the back of my house. When my children were small, every time I did a survey on the block I would wave to them from the roof or the stairs.
The modern blocks are designed to resemble an ocean liner and the apartments in the “prow” are cantilivered over the canal.
The original factory was built in 1913-14 for the Budenberg Gauge Company – amongst other items, pressure gauges were made here and were exported all over the world. In the stairwell of the converted factory is the largest steam gauge I have ever seen.
The development has a combined heat and power system which provides heat and electricity to the whole building. In recent months this has proved difficult as energy bills have risen significantly – see news article https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/i-thought-luxury-living-altrincham-26411105
More exciting developments for Altrincham
The long abandoned Grade II listed Bridgeworks warehouse on the banks of the Bridgewater canal is awaiting planning permission for redevelopment into 32 flats with a new office building to be constructed next door. Silverlane developments acquired the site earlier this year and have submitted a planning application to Trafford Council. https://www.placenorthwest.co.uk/silverlane-lodges-10m-altrincham-resi-plans/