Q&A

Find out more about the proposals for Joyce by The James

We’ve pulled together answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about Joyce. If you’d like to ask something else, don’t hesitate to get in touch using the contact details below.

Where is the site?

The site is Boulton House, a 1970s office building at 17–21 Chorlton Street in Manchester city centre. Positioned at the intersection of Bloom Street and Chorlton Street, the building sits at a gateway to the Gay Village and the Portland Street area. It’s directly opposite the Chorlton Street coach station and just a short walk from Piccadilly and Oxford Road train stations.
What are the proposals?

We’re proposing to transform Boulton House into Joyce by The James, a different type of short-stay accommodation designed to offer a ‘home away from home’ experience for modern city life. The plans include 261 high-quality suites, available for flexible stays ranging from a single night to a few months. Alongside this, we’re creating commercial space at ground floor level to bring more life and activity to the street, with landscaping and improved public realm.
Rather than demolishing the existing building, the proposals focus on creative reuse and sustainable refurbishment. The project includes a carefully designed extension on Bloom Street while preserving much of the original structure. It’s a thoughtful, design-led approach that reflects the character of the area and supports Manchester’s zero-carbon ambitions.
Why can’t it remain as offices?

Boulton House is no longer suitable for modern office use. Built in the 1970s, the building’s layout and structure don’t meet the standards that today’s businesses expect from their workspace. Without significant changes, the building would likely remain empty for the long term and risks falling into disrepair. It would also become obsolete when new Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards come into force in 2030, requiring an EPC rating of B – Boulton House is currently rated C.
Who Will Build and Operate The Development?

The James is a UK-based accommodation provider known for creating high-quality places to stay in cities including Manchester, Liverpool, Sheffield, and Birmingham. You might already know their building on Dantzic Street here in Manchester. If the proposals are approved, The James will both build and operate Joyce, bringing the same hands-on, design-led approach to this new short-stay offer.
What will the planning application cover?

The planning application will seek permission to convert Boulton House into short-stay serviced accommodation, with flexible commercial uses on the ground floor. It will also cover a new build extension on Bloom Street, external alterations to the existing building, new landscaping and public realm works, and the creation of terraces, a semi-private courtyard, and secure cycle parking.
The proposals also include updated access and servicing arrangements, including step-free access and space for deliveries and collections.
How can I have my say?

We want to hear from you. A public consultation is running from Monday 28 April to Friday 16 May 2025, and there are several ways to get involved.
You can attend our drop-in event on Thursday 8 May, from 3pm to 7pm, in the foyer of Boulton House. It’s a chance to meet the team, view the plans in detail, and ask questions in person.
You can also fill in the online feedback form and take part in our virtual Q&A session, which will be held during the consultation period.

Contact us directly

For any enquiries or questions on the project, please:

Email

JoycebytheJames.Manchester@fontcomms.com

Freephone

0800 689 1095

Freepost

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