£85m Lancaster Canal Quarter scheme in for planning
Lanmara Developments’ mixed-use redevelopment of a three-acre site off Brewery Lane has taken a leap forward with the submission of plans and the developer is aiming to be on site with the first phase next summer.
The joint venture between Marco Living and Axis RE acquired the site within Lancaster’s Canal Quarter in May 2025 and has been working up proposals and engaging with the city council and stakeholders since.
What it has come up with is a scheme with a gross development value of £85m featuring a broad range of uses.
The hybrid plans propose 300,000 sq ft of floorspace including a 30,000 sq ft community healthcare facility, new homes, restoration of the site’s existing brewery buildings, a 132-bed hotel, and more.
The first phase is expected to comprise the hotel, a 253-space multi-storey car park, a 4,500 sq ft convenience store, and a 1,200 sq ft bar/café.
The conversion of the brewery complex is also earmarked for phase one and features a 7,000 sq ft food hall/music venue and around 7,500 sq ft of office space.
Later phases of the masterplan will see the health centre, 30,000 sq ft of education space and homes – either 125 affordable homes or a 150-bed purpose-built student accommodation scheme – delivered alongside 1.45 acres of public realm.
Looking towards the music venue and food hall. Credit: via Axis-RE
Russ Worthington, director at Axis RE, said: “We believe Brewery Lane can become a catalyst for further investment across the Canal Quarter and create a development that delivers lasting benefits for everyone in Lancaster.
“Our ambition is to turn a long-underused part of the city into a vibrant new neighbourhood that brings together homes, healthcare, employment, hospitality, culture and high-quality public spaces, while giving the historic brewery buildings a sustainable long-term future.”
Tahir Ahmed, director of Marco Living, added: “From the outset, our approach has been to work collaboratively with the council, Lancaster BID, and local business, cultural and community stakeholders to shape a scheme that responds to Lancaster.
“The proposals are about much more than developing buildings. They are about creating new reasons to live, work, visit and invest in this part of the city, supporting local employment and businesses while creating new facilities and public spaces for the wider community.”
Subject to planning approval, the JV is hopeful work could commence in summer 2027.
Leach Rhodes Walker is leading on design and AshtonHale is the planning consultant. Levrant, Astute, Re-form, Enabl, and WSP are also advising.
To learn more, search for reference number 26/01074/HYB on Lancaster City Council’s planning portal.
