Controversial Manchester tower pulled
There has been radio silence on Arrowsmith Management’s plans for a 26-storey residential scheme next to the Britons Protection pub since they were lodged in 2022. Four years on, the proposal has been scrapped.
Arrowsmith, headed up by Bahraini businessman Mohamed Abbas Haji, had proposed constructing the 72-flat Apex Tower next to the Britons Protection pub on the corner of Albion Street and Great Bridgewater Street.
Designed by Leach Rhodes Walker, the slender Manchester scheme was deemed contentious in some quarters due to its proximity to the pub.
As well as the 27-storey building, a second, seven-storey infill block between the Jury’s Inn Hotel and the Britons Protection on Great Bridgewater Street was also proposed. This element would have featured four more flats as well as 2,700 sq ft of office space, which was earmarked as Arrowsmith’s new UK headquarters.
A decision notice from Manchester City Council addressed to planning consultant Zerum states that the applicant requested for the plans to be withdrawn. Place North West understands the developer is assessing its options.
Arrowsmith launched a consultation on its proposals last November 2021, sparking concerns about the project’s impact on the pub.
Following that consultation, tweaks to the layout of Apex Tower were made with the aim of improving views of the Britons Protection from the west.
In addition, a mural commemorating the Peterloo Massacre was to be incorporated into the development, aimed at enhancing the pub.
Many of the concerns raised during the consultation were around the impact the development would have on the pub’s beer garden, specifically as a result of overshadowing.
Turley is advised on heritage. Layer.studio on landscape, Kings Associates was the M&E consultant, and GIA was advising on daylight and wind.
Stantec, Renaissance, Tyler Grange and Mosodi were also instructed on the project.
Get outta my pub
By MJC
Good riddance.
By Anthony
It was too thin a tower to be viable under the new fire regulations. Second separate elevator and escape stair rather than intertwined would leave too little floorspace on each level for apartments.
By WatcherZero
Rejoice, rejoice. A genuinely terrible scheme, irrespective of the pub.
By Anonymous
Good
By Anonymous
Loved this – was a mad use of a tiny space
By Shame
it’s good news that it has been pulled.
By Anonymous
Good riddance? This town is desperate for development. The city centre still hasn’t recovered from WW2.
By Idi
As WatcherZero mentions, it was a non-starter with the fire regulations regardless of any impacts on the pub. I understand the applicant may have been advised this years ago but for whatever unknown reason it remained on MCC’s books.
By Anonymous
I concur with other comments here – terrible scheme!
By Mike
Britons Protected! Let’s drink to that.
By Francis
Great news. The proposal was as mad as a bucket of frogs.
By Gigantic Steve
2 words – Pocket Park
By Anonymous
I presumed/ hoped there were rules and regulations about this sort of scenario ???
Imo, new buildings like Apex shouldnt be near older buildings like this.
If they are going to construct new buildings next to existing ones – (particularly when they are old gems or community landmarks) – it would be nice to think they would leave no stone unturned to make sure they at least compliment each other rather than be completely different in every possible way.
By MrP
What a shame, I’d like to see more apartments built and less alcohol on Manchester.
By Anonymous
Good riddance to a wholly inappropriate proposal. 26 freakin’ stories!!
God Save the Britons Protection!!
By Anonymous
Such a shame, was a real creative use of space and method of creating new homes.
By MC
Now the same for the marble arch please!!!
By Anonymous
Won’t get pint of Guinness because of scary of too thin tower next door 😩
By G J Kitchener
Good news. Now someone needs to get a grip of that pub. It’s been getting worse and worse over the last decade, which is such a shame given its potential. It needs an almighty kick up its beer barrels.
By MainRoadMary