One St Peter’s Square plans due to be passed

The office building planned to replace Elisabeth House in Manchester's St Peter's Square has been recommended for approval by planning officers.

A joint venture between Greater Manchester Property Venture Fund, which owns the site, and developer Argent aims to build a new 14-storey, 270,000 sq ft building designed by Glenn Howells Architects if the plans are approved.

A report by planning officers for the planning committee said: "The proposal is interesting and modern, and would be acceptable and appropriate in the city context, and with the surrounding heritage assets.

"This approach of introducing a modern building into a historic environment has worked successfully elsewhere in Manchester and the scheme respects the setting of the St Peter's Sq conservation area and the listed buildings associated with it."

Manchester City Council's planning committee is expected to discuss the application later this month. Argent and GMPVF are believed to want at least a 50,000 sq ft pre-let before starting on site.