Latimer, the development arm of Clarion Housing Group, will breathe new life into the 1.24-acre brownfield site and build 461 private and affordable apartments as part of the city’s wider regeneration of Great Ducie Street.

The conversion scheme is designed by Assael architects

Bids are due to be returned shortly for the £75m design and build job, which involves two new buildings on the east and west of the public courtyard ranging from 11 to 27 storeys and a new pocket park.

There would also be a residential ‘podium’ terrace.

The 35-month contract is expected to begin this July with completion earmarked for August 2025.