Muse Architects

Queens Road – Manchester

101 Queens Road, Cheetham Hill, Manchester M8 8UT is a planning led pre application concept developed by Muse Architects. The work explores how a constrained gateway site at the junction of Queens Road and Appleford Drive could be brought into more productive use; adjacent to the Queens Road bus depot; and within reach of Manchester city centre and key public transport corridors. The emerging proposal sets out a potential route to transform an underutilised plot into a high quality, residential led mixed use building; designed to respond to the existing urban fabric; maintain a consistent building line; and seek to improve the setting of the adjacent listed building, subject to heritage assessment and the relevant consents. Muse’s approach began with evidence led analysis; site and townscape review; building height and context mapping; transport connectivity; local amenity and green space review; and a planning history scan to understand earlier constraints and typical areas of concern, including massing, streetscape integration, and effects on heritage assets. This work informed a design direction for a contemporary feature building at a key approach into the city; aiming to balance a stronger identity with contextual scale and a robust residential environment.  Strategic Planning: We believe every successful project starts with thoughtful planning. Our team carefully analyzes space, functionality, and client needs to create efficient layouts that balance practicality with visual appeal. Creative Design Solutions: Our designs combine creativity with purpose. Whether residential or commercial, we craft unique architectural concepts that reflect personality, enhance usability, and bring innovative ideas to life Modern & Stylish Architecture: We focus on contemporary aesthetics, clean lines, and elegant materials to create modern, stylish spaces that feel fresh, sophisticated, and timeless. Functional & Inspiring Spaces: From homes to commercial environments, we design spaces that inspire comfort, productivity, and connection; ensuring beauty, functionality, and long-term value in every project.

Nell Lane

Nell Lane Nelrose sits at the corner of Princess Road and Nell Lane, Manchester M20 2LT, a gateway site on a key route into the city with strong public transport access. Muse Architects’ pre application concept sets out a commercial led mixed use strategy; revitalise an ageing building; strengthen the street edge; and support local business alongside new homes. The scheme is grounded in context. Midrise blocks already front Princess Road; providing precedent for a proposal of up to six storeys, with stepping toward quieter streets. At ground level, two flexible commercial units address both frontages; unit one is circa 166 sq m and unit two is circa 108 sq m. Both units are arranged level with the pavement and use proportioned glazing to animate the junction; residential access is separated to keep the commercial frontage clear and legible. Above, 25 apartments are planned to align with Manchester residential quality guidance and the Nationally Described Space Standard; 20 two-bedroom homes at circa 70 sq m and 5 one-bedroom homes at circa 50 sq m. Layouts prioritise daylight, efficient circulation, lift access, and durable specification. Movement is designed in. Secure cycle storage for 32 bikes provides 128 percent provision; car parking is limited to 15 spaces, including one accessible bay; supporting reduced car dependency.   The proposed development centres on a coordinated package of internal re planning and targeted extensions. At ground and lower ground, the scheme introduces an improved entrance sequence, new lift and stair cores, and a covered courtyard to enhance wayfinding, safety and inclusivity. The ground floor extends into the courtyard to enlarge the main prayer hall and provide supporting community uses including youth space, kitchen provision and accessible WCs. Existing educational areas are strengthened through additional classrooms and multi-functional rooms, enabling structured learning programmes and community support activities.  Strategic Planning: We believe every successful project starts with thoughtful planning. Our team carefully analyzes space, functionality, and client needs to create efficient layouts that balance practicality with visual appeal. Creative Design Solutions: Our designs combine creativity with purpose. Whether residential or commercial, we craft unique architectural concepts that reflect personality, enhance usability, and bring innovative ideas to life Modern & Stylish Architecture: We focus on contemporary aesthetics, clean lines, and elegant materials to create modern, stylish spaces that feel fresh, sophisticated, and timeless. Functional & Inspiring Spaces: From homes to commercial environments, we design spaces that inspire comfort, productivity, and connection; ensuring beauty, functionality, and long-term value in every project.

Brunswick Street, Liverpool

Brunswick Street, Liverpool 3 Brunswick Street is an end terrace building in a dense, mixed use city centre setting; surrounded by bars, restaurants, shops, hotels and residential uses. The proposal reuses the existing building to provide a 15 room hotel, with a bar at basement and ground floor level. The project seeks to support Liverpool’s visitor economy while bringing a long term underused asset back into active use. Key design moves prioritised operational clarity and a low impact external approach; working with the existing fabric and window positions; and improving day to day functionality for guests and servicing. Change of use with minimal external intervention; the building envelope is retained; street presence is protected; change is focused internally. Clear guest journey; reception led operation; bar activity concentrated at the lower levels for legibility and management. Access strategy within existing constraints; an internal lift is proposed to serve all floors; two accessible bedrooms are included; where level changes prevent step free access from the street, arrival would be managed through staff assisted arrangements and suitable equipment, subject to detailed design. Waste and cycle storage resolved internally; no external curtilage is available; bin and cycle storage are accommodated within the basement; kept out of public view. Sustainable location; city centre connectivity supports a public transport led approach; no on site parking is proposed.    Strategic Planning: We believe every successful project starts with thoughtful planning. Our team carefully analyzes space, functionality, and client needs to create efficient layouts that balance practicality with visual appeal. Creative Design Solutions: Our designs combine creativity with purpose. Whether residential or commercial, we craft unique architectural concepts that reflect personality, enhance usability, and bring innovative ideas to life Modern & Stylish Architecture: We focus on contemporary aesthetics, clean lines, and elegant materials to create modern, stylish spaces that feel fresh, sophisticated, and timeless. Functional & Inspiring Spaces: From homes to commercial environments, we design spaces that inspire comfort, productivity, and connection; ensuring beauty, functionality, and long-term value in every project.

Land Cheetham Hill

Land Cheetham Hill Cheetham Hill, Manchester M8 8LQ is a planning led commercial concept by Muse Architects; developed to test a deliverable event venue on a prominent corner plot at the junction of Cheetham Hill Road and Derby Street. The proposal comprises a two-storey event centre with a basement car park; designed around circa 21 to 22 parking spaces; supporting managed arrivals and dispersal for weddings, exhibitions, and indoor events.   The design strategy is organised around clear zoning and operational flow. The basement level is intended for secure parking and back of house circulation, separating servicing from public areas. At ground floor, the scheme provides a legible public arrival with reception; supported by exhibition space, two conference rooms, staff facilities, kitchen, storage, plant, and a dedicated bin room. This establishes a flexible commercial ground plane; capable of accommodating different event formats while keeping servicing practical and contained. The proposed development centres on a coordinated package of internal re planning and targeted extensions. At ground and lower ground, the scheme introduces an improved entrance sequence, new lift and stair cores, and a covered courtyard to enhance wayfinding, safety and inclusivity. The ground floor extends into the courtyard to enlarge the main prayer hall and provide supporting community uses including youth space, kitchen provision and accessible WCs. Existing educational areas are strengthened through additional classrooms and multi-functional rooms, enabling structured learning programmes and community support activities.  Strategic Planning: We believe every successful project starts with thoughtful planning. Our team carefully analyzes space, functionality, and client needs to create efficient layouts that balance practicality with visual appeal. Creative Design Solutions: Our designs combine creativity with purpose. Whether residential or commercial, we craft unique architectural concepts that reflect personality, enhance usability, and bring innovative ideas to life Modern & Stylish Architecture: We focus on contemporary aesthetics, clean lines, and elegant materials to create modern, stylish spaces that feel fresh, sophisticated, and timeless. Functional & Inspiring Spaces: From homes to commercial environments, we design spaces that inspire comfort, productivity, and connection; ensuring beauty, functionality, and long-term value in every project.