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Birkdale Grove
Brick types: Ivanhoe Cream, Bradgate Medium Grey
Factory: Eclipse
Project location: Manchester
Project type: Commerical
Architect: Jeffrey Bell Architects
A major regeneration milestone is underway in Eccles as BCEGI Construction (UK) Ltd spearheads the development of Church Street Place - a 22-storey residential tower which will comprise 272 contemporary flats and new commercial spaces to Salford.
Located at the heart of Eccles town centre, the £42.5 million scheme is backed by Silverlane Developments (NW) Ltd and reflects a broader ambition to revitalise the area with high-quality, design-led architecture.
The striking façade of the building showcases the craftsmanship of Ibstock, the UK’s leading brick manufacturer. The company’s Ivanhoe Cream and Bradgate Medium Grey bricks have been specified to enhance the visual identity of the building while paying homage to the area's industrial heritage. The carefully chosen palette provides both elegance and durability, bringing a tactile, grounded quality to the outer elevations.
Designed by Jeffrey Bell Architects, the development replaces existing structures with a modern, mixed-use complex that celebrates Eccles’ local character. The architectural language draws inspiration from historic textile warehouses, coal mining, and engineering industries, with a robust material palette of brick, masonry, and metalwork. Deep-set window reveals and layered façades further echo the feel of converted industrial buildings, creating a timeless identity.
Church Street Place represents a new residential hub which BCEGI Construction (UK) Ltd is delivering on behalf of developer Arelsco, with Silverlane Developments managing the project. The scheme features a mix of studio, one, two, and three-bedroom apartments. Beneath the main 22-storey tower, a multi-tiered podium structure - ranging from three to five storeys - will address Church Street, Vicarage Grove, and Birkdale Grove.
This podium incorporates over 7,000 sq. ft. of ground floor commercial space, residential entrances, plant rooms, and essential services. It also integrates 19 car parking bays and 168 cycle storage spaces, underscoring the development's sustainability credentials. At its heart, a secluded, landscaped courtyard provides a tranquil amenity space for residents - an urban oasis in the midst of regeneration.
The scheme’s ground-level two-storey colonnade has been designed to anchor the building to its surroundings. Its dark grey base, resembling coal emerging from beneath the surface, references the area's mining past while softening the building’s presence at street level. The overall effect is to prevent the structure from becoming an isolated tower and instead integrate it into the local context.
Reflecting on the project's progress, Steve Carnes, Managing Director of Silverlane Developments (NW) Ltd, commented: “As the structure reaches its peak, we look forward to Church Street Place contributing significantly to the regeneration and future of Eccles.”
As Eccles continues to evolve, Church Street Place stands as a beacon for thoughtful, place-based development - combining modern living with a deep respect for local history and identity.
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