A BOLTON construction company is planning to use a little alchemy to turn an office site into a stunning landmark building at Salford Quays.

Specialist company the Artez Group has ‘broke ground’ on the site known as The Bund in Salford Quays, which sits on the bridge linking MediaCityUK to The Lowry and will transform it into a cocktail bar and restaurant known as The Alchemist as part of a £1.7 million scheme.

Mike Banton, managing director, said: “The building is a stunning design so we’re incredibly proud to be working on what I’m certain will become an iconic landmark in the area. We’re looking forward to transforming this piece of land – formerly the location of the sales office for developments – into the region’s next go-to night spot.”

The futuristic building will feature a gold-clad roof and external walls with a terrace which will cantilever out over the canal, creating a waterside al fresco drinks and dining space. It is expected to open by next spring.

Artez Group which was formed in 2010 by Mr Banton, who worked his way up to construction director at Urban Splash, aims to bridge the gap between consultants, clients and contractors, offering a unique and transparent main contractor service specialising in unusual and challenging developments.

The company, based at Lostock Office Park, now employs 23 staff and works across a range of commercial and residential schemes. It was this year’s’ RIBA award winner for ‘The Bunker Building’, the first phase of the redevelopment at the former Littlewood’s HQ in Liverpool. It has strong Bolton links where it played a key role in the redevelopment of The Market Place.

Stephen Wild, managing director at MediaCityUK said: “MediaCityUK is continuing to grow as a destination, with a fantastic range of bars and eateries, as well as tourist attractions and major events that pull in big crowds. With this in mind, we are very much looking forward to adding The Alchemist – an iconic and highly popular brand – into the mix. The news of its arrival has been met with wholehearted enthusiasm and delight by MediaCityUK residents and visitors alike. We are pleased to be working with Artez to deliver this exciting project.”

Simon Potts, managing director, The Alchemist said: “As a team, we are delighted that The Alchemist will be opening in MediaCityUK and hugely excited now that work is underway. It promises to be a popular addition to, what is now, a vibrant area for both work and play. The building itself will definitely make a statement, with some remarkable bespoke features. We believe it will become a truly iconic building in time.”

The company, which is based at Lostock Office Park in Bolton, now employs 23 members of staff and works across a range of commercial and residential schemes. In 2015 Artez Group launched two new companies, Artez Living Ltd and Artez Interiors Ltd to streamline its employees’ expertise in residential builds, and commercial fit-outs respectively.

Since its launch the business has more than doubled its turnover annually, and is on target to turnover £10 million at the end of this financial year. Artez has a reputation for delivering challenging projects to an exceptional standard, and is renowned for delivering award-winning projects such as this years’ RIBA award winner ‘The Bunker Building’, the first phase of the redevelopment if the former Littlewood’s HQ in Liverpool. Yet it maintains a strong connection to Manchester and specifically Bolton, delivering commercial schemes across Greater Manchester as well as playing a key role in the redevelopment of The Market Place in Bolton.

, developed for Living Ventures by MediaCityUK, a joint venture between the Peel Land and Property Group and Legal and General Capital, will see the construction of a stunning architectural design by Reid Architects.