Contractors named on Ancoats resi schemes

Eric Wright has picked up the contract to deliver Cotton Square for First Step, replacing Harbur Construction on the scheme.

Meanwhile, it has been confirmed that Manchester Life has appointed Graham Construction to deliver Weavers Quay, a 10-storey build-to-rent scheme in Old Mill Street.

It was announced in November last year that construction would start imminently at Cotton Square, a scheme including 11 apartments, 11 townhouses and the restoration of the Edinburgh Castle pub, a scheme designed by Buttress. However, Harbur went into administration in April.

Weavers Quay adds 201 rental homes to the area and features one-,two- and three-bedroom apartments along with a residents’ club room, car parking spaces, cycle spaces and 24-hour concierge service.

The scheme sits on a vacant site and is the sixth and final development to start on site within Manchester Life’s phase one projects. The first scheme, Cotton Field Wharf, completes in October.

Also designed by Buttress, Weavers Quay is the second Manchester Life scheme for Graham, after Murrays’ Mills, where all apartments have been reserved by owner-occupiers.

Gary Hughes, Graham Construction’s regional director, said: “Manchester’s private rental sector is thriving, and Ancoats is one of the city’s key development areas. We’re proud to play a part in creating exciting new neighbourhoods across Manchester that benefit the regional economy, retaining and attracting new residents into the city.