A Victorian inspired ‘secret street’ and roof terraces will form part of a new city centre development which will also see the derelict Edinburgh Castle pub brought back to life.

Manchester developers FIRST-STEP said the Cotton Square scheme in Ancoats, an area which is becoming a housing hot spot for young professionals, will include 23 apartments and townhouses.

Taking its name from Ancoats’ textile mill heritage, the development will fuse cool industrial design with light airy spaces and roof terraces; with views across the city.

The energy efficient homes will also feature cutting-edge ‘smart home’ technology, enabling residents to custom control heating, appliances and lighting.

In addition to a grand atrium entrance to the complex, Cotton Square will include a ‘secret street’, inspired by Victorian terraced streets in the area, complemented by landscaped urban gardens outside each home.

The former Edinburgh Castle pub, derelict for over 15 years, will be restored to its former pomp and glory, ready to supply new residents and visitors with a new destination to relax, dine and socialise.

FIRST-STEP founder and Cotton Square development director, Harinder Dhaliwal said: “I am proud to be launching Cotton Square, one of our finest developments to date, in Manchester’s very own urban village of Ancoats.

“I encourage all to come along and see what’s on offer.

“We have celebrated Cotton Square’s heritage, with many of the original industrial features retained and fused this with contemporary urban design.

“At Cotton Square, we will be restoring the former Edinburgh Castle pub back to its former glory, as well as introducing a secret Victorian-inspired street for residents. The best of the 18th century will meet the best of the 21st, with energy efficient design and smart home technology. This is no run of the mill development!

“With so much to offer, Cotton Square is suitably crafted for a combination of tastes - artisans, culture vultures, foodies and families – all are welcome in Manchester’s urban village of Ancoats.”

Ancoats is fast emerging as Manchester’s cultural, artsy quarter with an entrepreneurial spirit amongst the independent boutiques and specialist retailers.

A conservation area with an inspiring industrial past, Ancoats housed many mills, manufacturing mainly cotton, but also machinery, glass and newspapers. Its strong heritage can be seen today, in the area’s many listed mill buildings; most of which have been revitalised into stylish and contemporary places to live.

Construction starts later this year with homes ready in 2017.

To launch the scheme, FIRST-STEP is exhibiting more details about the development at Belvoir Manchester Central on Whitworth Street West.