Profile: Capital & Centric

Founded in 2011 by Tim Heatley and Adam Higgins, Capital & Centric has carved a niche by breathing new life into derelict spaces and districts. In that time, they’ve pulled off some of the most ambitious transformations in the north – projects that honor the past while ushering in the future. Defining Capital & Centric simply as a developer does them a disservice. At Brik, we see them more as choreographers of regeneration, demonstrating time and time again how to bring together heritage, housing and humanity to create places people can be proud of.

The BRIK-Down

Cities all over the world are grappling with the challenges of growth and identity. In Manchester and beyond, Capital & Centric has been establishing a meaningful regeneration blueprint for over a decade – one they’ve proven can respect heritage, create places of the future and make space for new communities, all without compromising on sustainable practice. Working on developments across commercial, residential, hotel and leisure sectors, they’re responsible for some of the most famous regeneration projects around, and a few of our personal favourites.

The Kampus Effect

Speaking of ambition, let’s explore one of Capital & Centric's most impressive projects: Kampus. In collaboration with HBD, this £250 million development has transformed a former (and forgotten) university campus into a vibrant neighborhood. It’s rare for 2.5 acres to pop up in such a central location, so the site came with significant architectural and conservational considerations – like two grade 2 listed warehouses and an original cobbled street to protect. This is where Capital & Centric's ethos couldn’t have been better placed. More than restoring the Victorian structures, they navigated the meeting point of old and new in what’s become a distinctive district that does both justice. The result is a tapestry of new homes, independent eateries, lush gardens and communal spaces – nothing short of city living redrawn.

Each of their developments proves regeneration can be design-led, socially useful and commercially smart.

The Give-Back Factor

Capital & Centric's vision goes further than property, with a longstanding commitment to social impact creating standalone projects for sustainable change. In 2019, they repurposed a tour bus to offer shelter to homeless people, and the initiative has now grown into a whole village. They've also mentored over 6000 young people into careers in property and construction. All of which proves they’re not only pioneers in their approach to development projects.

A Northern Powerhouse

Their influence isn't confined to Manchester. In Sheffield, they're converting a historic cutlery works into 97 industrial homes filled with original features, while in Stoke-on-Trent, their Goods Yard project mirrors the success of Kampus in a multi-faceted destination for residents, locals and visitors.

Our Take

If it’s not their ability to unlock complex sites with public-private partnerships, deliver exceptional design at scale or maintain credibility among local stakeholders that gives Capital & Centric their clout, it could be the fact they’re spending £3m a week on the UK’s regeneration. Each of their developments proves regeneration can be design-led, socially useful and commercially smart. As more towns look to reinvigorate themselves post-pandemic and in the midst of a shifting economic landscape, Capital & Centric really has defined the model to beat.