As the 75th Anniversary of VE Day approaches, Manchester-based regeneration company Urban Splash is paying homage to the city’s wartime history at one of their key projects – Avro.

When the people of Manchester give thanks to those who helped Britain to victory in 1945, the contribution of the Avro company will be remembered from their original home at Brownsfield Mill on Great Ancoats Street.

The Ancoats area of Manchester is home to the network of former mills and warehouses which were essential to the North West cotton trade during the 19th century.

Following a downturn in cotton manufacturing in the early 20th century, one mill in particular became the first home of the newly created aviation firm credited with creating one of the most important British aircraft to serve during World War II.

A.V. Roe & Company started life at what was then Brownsfield Mill in 1910.  Founded by Alliot Verdon Roe, the Avro company is synonymous with 20th century military aircraft design and came to define early UK influence in the emerging sector.  Avro is of course known for creating popular military aircraft models such as the Avro Manchester and the Lincoln and were seen as a trusted heritage brand in aviation for decades.

Located in the basement of the building, the design and manufacture team would use the space to build new planes before dismantling and painstakingly removing the many parts to be transported to the flying school at Brooklands for testing.

It was the Avro Lancaster for which the company is perhaps best known.   The long-range, four-engine bomber, of which over 7000 models were constructed, became a defining part of the British European bombing offensive during World War II.  The plane was made famous as the aircraft used during the Dambusters campaign and was designed by Roy Chadwick for Avro.

As the scheme to turn the former Brownsfield Mill into a new residential development continues construction, developer Urban Splash has been keen to highlight the significance of the building as the birthplace of the Avro Company and their importance during celebrations for the 75th Anniversary of VE day on the 8th May.

Unfortunately, due to current lockdown and social distancing measures, planned celebrations for the VE Day Anniversary have been dramatically reduced but Urban Splash will be making a £1000 donation split between The British Legion and the Avro Heritage Trust.  The Avro Heritage Trust helps to educate others on the significant impact the Avro company had on aviation design and innovation through the Avro Heritage Museum in Woodford, Cheshire.

Guy Ackernley, residential director at Urban Splash comments: “When we first began the Avro development project, we were acutely aware of the importance of the building and its role in Manchester aviation history.  Technology developed by Avro at their headquarters on Great Ancoats Street led to the creation of new aircraft which played a major role in the Allied offensive over Europe.  The distinctive shape of the Avro Lancaster bomber came to be a symbol of hope for many during the darkest years of the war.

“Although celebrations for VE day have been restricted following the recent health crisis, it seems only fitting that we take a moment to remember the contribution made by our city, and the Avro company in particular, during the 75th anniversary of Victory in Europe in May.”

The Avro building has been preserved by Urban Splash as part of a wider regeneration scheme to transform the Ancoats area into a thriving residential and commercial centre.  Brownsfield Mill was renamed the Avro building in tribute to the history of its former occupier and is currently being turned into 31 loft apartments.  The high ceilings and traditional features of the 19th century building have been retained, ensuring that the character of the former mill will remain as the building approaches its bicentennial year.

Guy continues: “In recognising the important part the Avro company played in not only the war effort, but also in furthering the reputation of our city as a place of innovation, we can help ensure the significant contribution of the firm will be remembered for future generations to come.”

A small number of loft apartments remain for sale at the Avro Building, priced from £350,000.  For more information, you can watch the new Avro film and sign up for Virtual viewings via the Urban Splash website at www.urbansplash.co.uk/regeneration/projects/avro