Tim Groom Architects is leading on design. Credit: via MCC

Glenbrook wins rare Northern Quarter development opportunity

9 July 2025 08:00 Dan Whelan Comments ()

Manchester City Council has selected the developer to deliver 300-homes on the site of the Church Street multi-storey car park ahead of underbidders ASK and McLaren.

Glenbrook’s proposal for the 1.5-acre site, designed by Tim Groom Architects, will feature 20% affordable provision, in line with the city council’s aspirations.

The new neighbourhood will also feature four public squares and green spaces, a flexible community and gallery space, and commercial units for local independent businesses and food and beverage outlets.

“The Church St site represents a unique opportunity in the heart of the Northern Quarter, a neighbourhood and community that is alive with energy and creativity, and Glenbrook is delighted to play an important role in its future growth,” said Ian Sherry, director at Glenbrook.

“To be selected as the council’s preferred purchaser is a huge accomplishment for our entire project team, who have all immersed themselves in the submission. We look forward to jointly delivering an outstanding project for the Northern Quarter community and supporting the city’s continued growth agenda that confidently projects its future as a globally recognised destination.”

: Credit: via MCC

: Credit: via MCC

Developers were put on alert for the opportunity, branded St Paul’s after the church that once stood on the site, last year.

CBRE was instructed to run the bidding process and bids were submitted by the end of February. Manchester City Council will sell the site to Glenbrook subject to completed legal agreements and planning permission.

Leader of Manchester City Council Bev Craig said Glenbrook’s selection would bring an end to the site’s eyesore status.

“For too long the Church Street car park has been a barrier to the ongoing success of the Northern Quarter. We want to bring forward a world-class development that has the potential to completely transform this part of the neighbourhood, together with the newest city centre public squares and green spaces.”

She added: “As part of this, we want to make sure that the businesses that make their home here reflect the independent ethos of this community, complementing and helping to enhance the wider neighbourhood. As such, this development will also celebrate the distinct architectural heritage of the Northern Quarter and honour the history of the area.

“We felt Glenbrook shared these ambitions, understood how the development of this site should sit within its context, and create a new neighbourhood that supports the ongoing success of the Northern Quarter and the wider city centre.”