Linear Living lodges Cheetham Hill plans

The developer has submitted proposals for a 24-storey residential block on the edge of Manchester’s Green Quarter, comprising 251 homes including four townhouses.

Seven homes are also adaptable for residents with additional needs, such as wheelchair-user apartments, said the firm, which has held two consultations since November for the scheme.

Linear Living has previously delivered phase one of the £34m Trafford Gardens, and is now looking to regenerate the long-vacant site, bounded by Cheetham Hill Road, Lord Street and Fernie Street.

The site previously held retail and commercial units fronting Cheetham Hill Road, which have been partly demolished.

Subject to planning approval, Linear Living anticipates work starting on site before the end of 2026, with completion targeted for early 2029.

Enabl is advising on planning and Aew Architects is leading on design. Linear acquired the site from Delph Property, which bought it in 2018 from a vehicle backed by B&M Bargains founders Simon and Bobby Arora.

Several developers are working in the area. Credit: Linear Living

At that time, the site had consent for a 16-storey scheme featuring 190 apartments. Linear’s plans are seven storeys taller than the earlier proposal, reflecting how more recent applications have sought to reach higher.

The land sits adjacent to Manchester and Salford’s joint Strangeways and Cambridge strategic regeneration framework area.

Stephen Holmes, chief executive of Linear Living, described the application as a “significant milestone for Linear Living as we expand into Manchester city centre”.

He continued: “We see this as a gateway scheme, with the opportunity to make a strong architectural statement while contributing to the wider regeneration of the Green Quarter.

“Working with an experienced project team, we have developed designs that are commercially-viable and aligned with the long-term vision for the area. Subject to approval, we look forward to bringing forward a high-quality scheme that adds lasting value to this part of Manchester.”