Glenbrook lodges ‘boundary-pushing’ Manchester tower proposal
The developer’s vision for a 44-storey residential building at 2-4 Whitworth Street West has taken a step closer to reality after the submission of a planning application to Manchester City Council.
Unveiled last year, the tower– which would provide 364 apartments – would sit opposite Deansgate tram station and east of the railway station.
Demolition of the two existing buildings, Wrendal House and Whitworth House, will be required before any work can begin.
A range of one-, two-, and three-bed flats distributed across the tower’s upper 41 floors will be offered.
Plans indicate a housing mix of 120 one-bedroom flats, 218 two-beds, and 26 three-bed homes.
A landscaped and accessible public realm at the foot of the tower would welcome tenants who would enter the building, passing underneath three-storey terracotta arches.
The next three floors would offer ancillary accommodation in the form of resident lounges, workspaces, and health and wellbeing facilities, spanning a total of 7,800 sq ft.
Car parking is not included in the scheme, with residents being encouraged to walk or use nearby public transport.
364 apartments are proposed. Credit: Our Studio
Daniel Roberts, development director at Glenbrook, said: “We have used our extensive experience of delivering high-quality residential developments and feedback from our operational partners to ensure Whitworth Street West truly responds to the requirements of residents, both now and in the future.
“We believe this development and its exceptional location offer the opportunity to push the boundaries of city-centre living, and we’re hugely excited about the prospect of bringing such a prestigious building to market.”
He added: “We have explored every opportunity to reduce the development’s carbon footprint, resulting in the current scheme exceeding RIBA’s 2030 Climate Change Target credentials.”
Tony O’Brien, partner at Sheppard Robson, which has designed the scheme, said: “By opening up the site, we are creating vibrant public spaces and pathways that enhance connections across this part of the city.
“The building’s terracotta, high-performance façade references both the existing and historic context, while introducing a distinctly modern addition to the evolving skyline of Manchester.”
Glenbrook hopes to appoint a main contractor this year, with work set to commence in early 2026.
Deloitte is the scheme’s planning consultant, landscape and urbanism practice Layer.studio designed the public realm.
Consultants on the project include Hilson Moran, AKT II, Futureserv, OFR, Mainer, Curtins, Quartz, and GIA.
The scheme can be found on Manchester City Council’s planning portal, using the reference number 141773/FO/2024.
