Aviva unveils revised plans for 400,000 sq ft Manchester industrial
The investor had proposals for a similar project at Atlas Business Park rejected by the city council in 2023 and has made a series of tweaks it hopes will see the refreshed scheme approved.
Aviva Investors has today unveiled updated plans for a 400,000 sq ft industrial development close to Manchester Airport on a the site of the former Ferranti electronics factory on the corner of Styal Road and Simonsway.
The original proposal was rejected as it encroached on the Green Belt. Manchester City Council also said Aviva has failed to prove that the five-unit development would not affect the “operational integrity or safety of Manchester Airport”.
The revised plans see the Green Belt element removed and the scheme nudged westwards to preserve the protected land.
As a result, the site of the proposed development now incorporates the vacant former Vodafone building, which would be demolished under Aviva’s plans. The plot is also slightly smaller this time around, measuring 19 acres compared to 23 under the original plans.
Aviva also states it has engaged with Manchester Airport when drawing up its refreshed proposals.
If approved, the scheme could generate an estimated £44m in GVA for Greater Manchester, according to Aviva.
A spokesperson for Aviva Investors said: “South Manchester continues to require high-quality employment and logistics space to support local businesses, jobs and economic growth.
“Our proposals will create new, high-quality jobs across a range of skill levels, supporting local people into employment, as well as delivering significant investment and economic growth to Manchester.”
Turley is advising on planning, heritage, strategic comms, and economics. Hale Architecture, BEA Landscape, and project manager Christopher Smith Associates are also advising.
I hope they will at least have green roofs or solar panels.
By Anonymous