Axis-RE, Marco Living outline intentions for chunk of Lancaster Canal Quarter
More than 200 homes, a hotel, a 600-capacity events venue, and a medical centre form part of the £100m vision for the three-acre site off Brewery Lane the developers acquired in May.
Axis-RE and Marco Living, working on behalf of Lanmara Developments, have today unveiled the first look of plans for a major mixed-use scheme within Lancaster’s Canal Quarter.
The Brewery Lane development, crafted following ongoing dialogue with local stakeholders, neighbouring landowners, cultural partners, aligns with the city council’s masterplan for the canal quarter, the developers said.
The plans feature:
- Significant public open space to encourage dwell time and support the area’s cultural and leisure venues
- Re-opening of ginnels to enhance connectivity between the city centre and canal
- A 125-key hotel
- A medical centre aligned with the NHS 10-year plan
- A new mobility hub providing around 260 parking spaces as well as bicycle storage, delivery collection services, and small-scale retail
- A 6,500 sq ft day nursery
- Around 150 affordable purpose-built student beds, improving access to university accommodation
- Approximately 60 mixed-tenure residential units
- Restoration of the listed brewery to create a multi-purpose entertainment venue for up to 600 people and flexible office space for local businesses and start-ups.
Russ Worthington, director and co-founder of Axis-RE, said: “Since acquiring the site in May, we’ve been fully focused on maintaining momentum on what we see as a once-in-a-generation opportunity for Lancaster. As a local resident, this project means a great deal personally.
“These designs reflect a genuine wish to enhance what already works while introducing what’s been missing, creating new facilities, spaces and reasons for people to visit and stay. Our goal is to deliver a scheme that complements Lancaster’s existing offer while supporting the local economy, attracting visitors, and improving daily life for those who call the city home.”
The project team features Leach Rhodes Walker as architect and AshtonHale as planner as well as Fairhurst, Enabl, Forshaw Demolition, Castlegate Security, Stephen Levrant Heritage Architecture, SK Transport, Bowland Tree Consultancy, Urban Green, and Knight Sky.
This looks like a true mixed-use development to cater for both residents and visitors, look forward to it progressing.
By Laurence
This looks promising though I think a better link to St Leonard’s Gate is required than the narrow ginnels shown. Hopefully there is no increase in the amount of student residential in the final plans.
By Dom