The Globe Works is now entering its final stages of construction following a pause in building during the lockdown, property developers Empire have confirmed.

Construction is expected to be completed at the site on Bridgeman Street by spring next year. Once finished, the former mill will provide 150 luxury flats, with one, two and three-bedroom apartments available.

Paul Rothwell, managing director at Empire said: “As we emerge from lockdown, construction of Globe Works has resumed albeit with social distancing measures in place.

“As a result, we expect this new development, complete with the loft extension, to be ready by Spring 2021.”

Planning permission was originally granted for 124 flats in 2016 and construction began in 2017.

However, a further application for a two-storey roof top extension containing 26 apartments was approved in 2019.

Emma Thompson, director of legal and planning at Empire said:”Like us, the council were keen to preserve the integrity of this amazing building.

“When it came to the roof extension, we spent a lot of time discussing the details, for example the window options and colours for these.

“We are really pleased with the outcome and are looking forward to putting the finishing touches to this amazing building.”

Cllr Martyn Cox said: “I think it’s the most exciting development in the town centre for quite some time. It’s all been done with private money from private investment and I am really pleased to see this happening in the town centre. It’s good to see that people want to invest in the town.

“This will definitely bring more people to the town centre, I think the population will change in the coming years. As retail shrinks, we will see more and more people moving closer to the centre and repopulate it. Only a short while ago very few people lived in the city centre of Manchester, and that changed quite quickly.”