Bootle Street future on agenda
The strategic regeneration framework for a £150m mixed-use development at Manchester’s Bootle Street is set to be endorsed by the city council, despite the future of existing buildings on the site remaining unclear.
The proposed 1.8-acre development between Jackson’s Row, Bootle Street and Southmill Street, known as St Michael’s, is being brought forward by a development company owned by ex-footballers Gary Neville, Ryan Giggs, developer Brendan Flood and Manchester City Council.
Last month St Michael’s announced a £150m consortium deal with Singaporean-based Rowsley and Beijing Construction Engineering Group to fund the project.
The strategic regeneration framework outlines development principles for the site, with the project set to include:
- A five-star international hotel, with associated dining, leisure and small scale conference facilities
- Residential apartments with roof gardens
- Offices with views across the new public squares towards the Town Hall
- Retail, leisure and bar/restaurant uses
- A new facility for the Manchester Reform Synagogue
- Public squares
The plot is made up of a former police station, the United Reform Synagogue, the Sir Ralph Abercromby pub and a parcel of open land.
The Bootle Street police station was bought by the council earlier this year, but negotiations are still ongoing with the owners of the other properties.
The potential demolition of the historic buildings on the site has been met with criticism from some residents.
The report ahead of the council’s executive meeting on Wednesday 9 September, stresses the regeneration framework “does not determine the future of the existing buildings on site, including the Sir Ralph Abercromby Public House. Any decision on these buildings will be made in the light of a full assessment of the approach adopted by a future development proposal, in the context of the relevant planning policies and Historic England guidance.”
When asked by Place North West for details on the demolition plan, a spokesman for St Michael’s Development said: “We are currently in ongoing dialogue with the existing landowners and it is undecided as yet what the outcome will be.”
A public consultation exercise will begin in the coming weeks if the framework is endorsed.
Make is the architect on the scheme, while Zerum is development advisor.
Does Gary Neville own part of Make – as he has an interest in Zerum doesn’t he?
By Bob Dawson
it would be good of Gary Neville and Co, if they would incorporate the Sir Ralph Abercromby Public House into this new development. Manchester city centre is steadily losing its lovely pubs, and this is one of them. While I welcome new development on this scale, and this scheme promises to be exciting, please spare a thought for pub-goers and tourists who love the Manchester pub scene. Cheers.
By Phil
“The potential demolition of HISTORIC buildings on the site has met with criticism of some residents”…really? no kidding? who’d have thought? !! Actually it’s been met with a HUGE amount of criticism right across the region, but clearly not in ‘estate agent’ circles but by those who actually understand and care about Architecture Urbanism and the shared Culture of our public realm.
By the way, what is the difference between a 5 star hotel and a 5 star “international” hotel? Guff!
By Jeremiah
It’s much more than the pub, its a collections of buildings with presence and history and a scheme that is a carbuncle. A wise developer or council would insist they keep parts of the existing and add new build that fits in with it
By Observer
“…what is the difference between a 5 star hotel and a 5 star “international” hotel?” – it’s similar to the difference between “luxury apartments” and “flats”.
By ChesneyT
Cannot believe it really!!! who do they think they are? no matter how profitable or successful they may feel both for their themselves investments and their projects ..Manchester like most popular visited city needs their old historical building’s to maintain a sense of permanency an heritage – don’t get me wrong I do believe in change ..and progress however lets leave some of our old buildings still standing especially in the city centre as a reminder to t future generations so they will feel as proud of a history and heritage as the rest of us!
By Alice Macca