Commercial Union Offices, Spring Gardens, Manchester

Won in competition, the building at 47, Spring Gardens was originally the Commercial Union Assurance Offices. Erected at a cost of £7,000, it was Heathcote's first solo commission in Manchester and was illustrated in the British Architect. An awkward triangular corner site which Heathcote exploited to the full. The rooms at the end, originally the principal offices, are elliptical in form, the shape being reflected in the design of the internal doors and frames which maintain the curve in plan. At roof level a continuous band of curved glazing provided illumination to the clerks dining room. A single spiral stair gave access to the upper floors.

ARCHITECTURAL COMPETITION. The Commercial Union Insurance Company have recently had a limited competition for their new offices to be erected in Spring Gardens in this city. The successful competitor was Mr Charles Heathcote, architect, Princess-street. The other competitors were Messrs Mills & Murgatroyd and Messrs Salomons & Ely. [Manchester City News 23 July 1881 Page 5 Column 3]

MANCHESTER - In a limited competition for the Manchester offices of the Commercial Union Assurance Company, the design of Mr Charles Heathcote, architect, Manchester, has been chosen. The other competitors were Messrs Mills and Murgatroyd, and Messrs Salomons and Ely. The cost is limited to £7,350. [Building News 22 July 1881 page 103]

Heathcote also prepared an alternative set of Gothic elevations.

Reference    Manchester City News 23 July 1881 Page 5 Column 3 - results of competition
Reference    Building News 22 July 1881 page 103 - results of competition
Reference    British Architect 21 October 1881- illustration
Reference    British Architect 28 October 1881.Page 536