Melbourne's historic Manchester House is set to embark on a new chapter after a strata portfolio within the building was sold to a not-for-profit organisation.

Encompassing a total floor area of approximately 1,400 square metres, the property includes a ground floor retail unit of around 35sqm.

It is occupied by Chisholm Institute and operates as a hairdressing and beauty college. 

At a glance:

• Manchester House strata portfolio at 234 Flinders Lane sold to not-for-profit organisation.
• Fitzroys agents Peter Weatherby and Alex Shum negotiated a sale price that equates to $10,000 per square metre. 
• Property incorporates a total floor area of approximately 1400 square metres.

Fitzroys agents Peter Weatherby and Alex Shum negotiated the sale via Expressions of Interest on behalf of a private investor, with the successful bid equating to about $10,000 per square metre

Mr Weatherby said the floors presented an opportunity to acquire part of one of the last remaining and pre-eminent examples of the rag-trade warehouses that dominated the area in the first half of the 20th century.

“All potential buyers were keen to acquire a large strata floor in a bustling location, which is opposite one of the main entrances of the new Town Hall Metro Station, and in the heart of this creative precinct which includes Degraves Street, Centre Place and Manchester Lane,” he said. 

The interior of Manchester House. Source: Fitzroys

Positioned on the corner of Manchester Lane, Manchester House was constructed through 1911 and 1912 to a design by architects Bates Peebles and Smart, going to signal the entry of the old Adelaide clothing manufacturers, G & R Wills and Company into Melbourne. 

The New York loft-style accommodation had been converted to highly sought after offices and features high ceilings, exposed brick walls, expansive feature windows, and abundant natural light. 

The Manchester Lane retail unit is internally connected to the office floors, and links Flinders Lane with the prime Collins Street retail precinct. 

Mr Shum said they were satisfied with the result.

“The sale price of around $10,000 per sqm was within our expectations, especially considering the rarity of such well located, large strata floors being offered to the market,” he said. 

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