The grade II* listed building opposite Piccadilly Station in Manchester city centre, is one of 1396 buildings on the English Heritage buildings at risk register. It is a mixed-use facility incorporating the fire station, the police station complete with cells, a bank, the coroner's court and a gas testing station and has been utilised as a storage depot for at least the past 15 years.

Dating back to 1906, it was at one time reputed to be the largest fire station in the world at 16,600 sq m.

James Sanderson, a principle at Purcell Miller Tritton said: "Our role is currently outlined as gaining planning permission and detailed listed building consent whilst conserving many of the buildings early 20th century features. The external fabric of the structure is highly ornate, constructed largely in delicate terracotta and faience tiling with a myriad of fine sculpture and detail.
    
Mark Goldspink chief executive of Purcell Miller Tritton added:  "This is our first substantive scheme in Manchester and Britannia are the kind of imaginative and exciting client with whom we are looking forward to working with in the city."