The Astley Building on Port Street in Manchester is a contemporary residential development completed in 2019, set within the characterful context of the city’s Northern Quarter. Designed by Tim Groom Architects, the scheme reflects a careful balance between urban sensitivity and modern construction performance, delivering high-quality apartments that respond to both architectural and environmental expectations.

At construction stage, Bardsley Construction of Manchester acted as main contractor, coordinating delivery of the project within a dense city-centre setting. The façade and aluminium fabrication package was delivered by Aire Valley Architectural Aluminium, ensuring precision in the execution of the building envelope and its detailing.

A key technical contributor to the scheme was Aluprof UK, which supplied the MB-70SG system with hidden sash windows. This solution was selected to achieve a minimal external appearance while maintaining high levels of thermal performance, ventilation control, and durability. The concealed sash design supports the building’s clean façade rhythm, allowing the architecture to remain visually consistent across elevations.

Finished in anodised aluminium, the façade introduces a refined, muted tone that complements the surrounding brickwork context of Manchester’s Northern Quarter. The material choice also enhances long-term resistance to urban weathering, reducing maintenance demands while preserving aesthetic quality.

The result is a well-resolved residential scheme that integrates architectural intent with high-performance façade engineering. The Astley Building demonstrates how advanced aluminium systems can support compact urban housing, delivering durability, energy efficiency, and a strong architectural identity within a historically rich city environment.