The first release of houses on a new development on the site of the former Linotype building in Broadheath sold out within hours of coming on sale on Saturday – with some buyers camping overnight to be first in line.
Housebuilder Morris Homes is carrying out a “sympathetic renovation” of the site of the iconic former Linotype and Machinery Company factory, which dates back to 1897.
The Grade II listed building is being converted into apartments, with a number of two and three bedroom mews homes, and three and four bedroom detached properties, being built on adjoining land.
And when the first nine houses in the Egerton Park development went on sale on Saturday, all nine were instantly snapped up.
Morris reported that competition was “fierce” with “some potential buyers queuing from 7am while others waited overnight in tents and cars to be the first on site”.
It added that registered interest in future releases is already at three times the housebuilder’s average.
Rachel MacCutchan, sales director at Morris, said: “We’re very excited to be bringing such a unique development to the area, and it is fantastic to see that excitement echoed by the public.
“Egerton Park offers an enviable location, since it’s a stone’s throw from Altrincham’s bustling town centre and peaceful countryside yet provides easy commutes, excellent schools and the buzz of nearby Manchester.”
At the height of its success, the Linotype and Machinery Company employed more than 10,000 people to make typesetting machines for the national newspaper industry.
