89-91 Great Ancoats Street, Ancoats, Manchester, Greater Manchester. Archaeological Building Investigation.

In August 2007, Oxford Archaeology North was commissioned by CgMs Consulting, acting on behalf of Morgan Ashurst Plc, to carry out an archaeological investigation of a building fronting Great Ancoats Street in Ancoats, Manchester (centred on NGR SJ 8489 9850). The investigation was required to satisfy an archaeological condition attached to consent for a planning proposal to redevelop the land, which allows for the demolition of the building. It was therefore recommended by the Assistant County Archaeologist for Greater Manchester, who provides planning advice to Manchester City Council, that an investigation of the building commensurate with an English Heritage Level II-type survey be carried out in advance of any development.
Cartographic evidence demonstrates that the building was constructed as two adjoining properties during the late 18th century, thereby representing one of the oldest extant structures within Ancoats, and a manifestation of the initial and rapid urbanisation of the area. Whilst there are several surviving examples of similar three storey houses in Ancoats and the adjacent area, most have had their ground floors converted to shops, losing the evidence for their original appearance.