Ask, Vita flesh out vision for First Street double
A 215,000 sq ft office and 600-bed student block make up the two-part proposal, the latest scheme to come forward within the Manchester district.
In August, Ask Real Estate and Vita Group announced they were drawing up plans for the redevelopment of Plot 10 at First Street, located off River Street.
Two months on, the partners have fleshed out the proposals and are inviting the public to have their say during a consultation that will run until 11 November.
Ask’s office block
The office will sit next to the 130,000 sq ft civil service hub (right) Credit: via Counter Context
The first element of the project is a 215,000 sq ft office, designed by Jon Matthews Architects and reaching 13 storeys.
The building will be constructed next to the 130,000 sq ft government hub on plot 9, which is currently being built by Bam and is due to complete in 2024.
Once complete, the plot 10 office will be able to accommodate around 2,000 workers.
“We’re delighted to unveil the stunning design for our NABERS 5.5* office building,” said John Hughes, managing director of Ask Real Estate.
“Having listened to feedback from the first stage of consultation, we’re even more confident that this trailblazing new building will not only provide market-leading floorspace to bolster First Street’s offer, but also help bring new life to the area around James Grigor Square.”
Vita’s House of Social
The student scheme features a ground floor food hall. Credit: via Counter Context
The second part of the project is a 17-storey student accommodation building designed by Tim Groom Architects.
While the student portion of the scheme has more floors than the office, the latter is taller due to greater floor-to-ceiling heights.
The development will be operated under Vita’s House of Social brand and feature 600 bedrooms within four- and six-bedroom flats. A ground floor food hall is also proposed.
The plot 10 building will be Vita’s second at First Street. The company’s first, a 279-apartment block, completed in 2015.
“The vibrant mix of uses at First Street makes it the perfect place to launch our new House of Social concept in Manchester,” said Max Bielby, chief operating officer for Vita Group.
“We’ve given careful thought to the design, making sure this elegant building will complement and enhance its surroundings. The ground floor food hall will bring new life to this part of First Street and bring the community together.
“Having been part of the First Street neighbourhood for almost 10 years, we take our commitment to quality management and being good neighbours very seriously, and these values are shared by every member of our in-house team.”
A planning application for the development is expected before the end of the year.
With this many student residences and offices in such close proximity, the Sainsburys local won’t be able to keep up with meal deal demand. Let’s hope the developers can factor in some sort of affordable sandwich emporium.
By concerned citizen
This area will look completely different when it’s completed with the adjacent Downing development
By Anonymous
Some tasty looking balconies there
By Balcony warrior
More watering down of the office element. I suspect the Vita scheme will come forward much sooner than ASK’s office block (the only building shown properly in the CGI), which will no doubt go through several redesigns before being built. With only one new office building being built so far, First Street is a bit of disappointment as a proposed new business district within the City Centre.
By ALL
When will the City Council promote social infrastructure to accommodate the needs of current and future residents?
By Tannoy
@concerned citizen, could not agree more. I think Sainsbury’s meal deal provision should be a consideration in the NPPF. Commentors on PNW finally asking the serious questions!
By Egg
This is so wrong on so many levels. First Street was an office led development that with the influence of prominent ex council officials has now become a student / co-living location.
If they are serious about keeping offices,
The student scheme should only be capable of occupation once the office scheme has been built.
Given Selects involvement, I’m sure this won’t be the case.
I can’t wait for the time that the Council make decisions that are for the best interest of the many not the few.
By Mike P