New 18-storey office block could tower over Manchester building with a surprising history

The Northern Quarter could soon be home to an 18-storey office building which will tower over its 1791 neighbour where the National Chartist Association was founded.

The building, on the corner of Great Ancoats Street and Lever Street, was built around 1791 and was well known as 'The Land O'Cakes Hotel' pub for decades from 1933. Before that, however, it was historically significant as the birthplace of the National Chartist Association — which helped shape British democracy as we know it today.

Born out of the People's Charter of 1838, which demanded more political rights for ordinary citizens, Chartism called for many features of elections we still have in 2024 — namely secret ballots, paid MPs, and equal constituency sizes. It was spearheaded by the organisation founded in the Northern Quarter, which created three petitions to the government calling for reform — and all three were rejected, leading to widespread unrest across the country.

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Although unsuccessful, MPs eventually reformed the Parliamentary election process to incorporate many of the Chartists’ demands after the NCA disbanded in 1860. Now, developers Soller Nine want to build next to the site with an 18-storey office block.

It would be called NXQ, which would feature a ‘tech hub’ and ‘creative hub’, and requires the demolition of ‘derelict warehousing’ next door from the late 19th century, according to architects Howells. If given planning permission, they say the project will create 800 jobs and add £60 million to Manchester’s economy in the long-run.

“NXQ represents a huge opportunity to create a desirable and vibrant mixed-use hub in the Northern Quarter of Manchester where people want to work, visit and enjoy the vibrant neighbourhood,” the architects said in a planning statement. “The scheme combines high quality office space in a dramatic landmark building alongside retaining and enhancing existing structures, connected by a central landscaped courtyard.

“The Tech Hub and Creative Hub provides best-in-class, healthy and sustainable workspace where users can experience flexible open plan office spaces, with panoramic views of the city whilst being immersed in the preserved history along Lever Street.”

The plans are currently available for public feedback until June 8. They can be viewed online here, or by searching ‘139778/FO/2024’ on Manchester’s planning portal.