McGoff awaits permission for 153-flat Manchester BTR

The developer’s plans for a 17-storey tower next to the popular Marble Arch pub have already secured a £27.4m loan from the GMCA.

McGoff’s 153-flat project has been recommended for approval by Manchester City Council’s planning department despite concerns from the pub and the Campaign for Real Ale.

The plans were first unveiled in 2025 and met with criticism from the Marble Arch and local councillors, which prompted McGoff into a redesign.

The original plan was for 145 flats within a stepped 10-, 15-, and 17-storey project directly next to the Marble Arch pub. Revised proposals lodged in May incorporate a 13-metre gap between the Marble Arch and the residential building. An area of public realm will be created in this void.

Despite the changes, the pub and CAMRA remain steadfast in their opposition of the plans, which are earmarked for a £27.4m subsidised loan from the Greater Manchester Combined Authority.

The Marble Arch said the tower would “dominate and overwhelm the Marble Arch, distracting attention from it and diminishing its significance”. In addition, concerns have been raised about the impact of an extended period of disruption for the business while the project is built.

CAMRA described the development as “ridiculous and unnecessary”.

WSP is advising on planning, Jon Matthews Architects is leading on design, and Planit is advising on landscape. Booth King Partnership, Davies Partnership, and S&C Engineering are also advising on the scheme.

To the rear of the application site, work on phase one of the Manchester project – a £50m, 237-home BTR scheme featuring 11- and 13-storey blocks – is nearing completion.

To learn more, search for planning reference number 145583/FO/2026 on Manchester City Council’s planning portal.