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Manchester City Council addressed to planning consultant Zerum states that the applicant requested for the plans to be withdrawn.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.