We were delighted to welcome The Guardian to Rylands recently for an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the transformation of one of Manchester’s most iconic buildings.
Built in 1932, the Grade II listed art deco building – most recently home to Debenhams – is being reimagined as part of a rare city-centre redevelopment that champions restoration over demolition.
The 300,000 sq ft scheme will deliver a vibrant mix of retail, leisure, and office space, connecting three of Manchester’s main districts: the Central Business District, Piccadilly and the Northern Quarter.
During the visit, The Guardian’s Sarah Butler spoke with AM ALPHA’s CEO, Martin Lemke, and Paul Hodgkiss, Senior Project Manager, who shared their vision for this landmark scheme, where heritage meets innovation.
From the meticulous preservation of original features, such as stained glass windows, cupolas, parquet flooring, and a central staircase, which are being carefully dismantled, cleaned and restored – to the creation of a new glass rooftop extension. Rylands is a project that balances respect for history with forward-thinking design.
This moment in the construction programme has seen the building stripped back to its 1930s core – seen for the first time in almost a century. The exposed structure showcases remarkable feats of architecture and engineering from the era, including an advanced original sprinkler system found within the cupolas.
This visit marked a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to appreciate the scale and ingenuity of the historic building before it evolves into a modern, mixed-use space – and we were privileged to have The Guardian at that moment.
Sustainability is at the heart of the transformation. By repurposing the existing structure, the development reduces waste, lowers carbon emissions, and conserves resources. We were keen for The Guardian to see how respectful restoration can be a viable, sustainable alternative to demolition.
Once complete, Rylands will set a new standard for mixed-use spaces in Manchester, seamlessly blending the building’s historic fabric, with innovative solutions for a future-ready, sustainable workspace.
Keep an eye out for the final feature in The Guardian soon to see more from their visit.
