Manchester clears path for long-stalled NQ resi
An eyesore site off Red Lion Street could soon see work resume after the city council gave the go-ahead for the developer to make a host of changes to the stagnant scheme.
Having acquired the Northern Quarter site last year, Telford-based Noble Design & Build applied for permission earlier this year for tweaks to the project, which stalled at groundworks stage in 2019.
These include reducing the number of homes in the 10-storey block from 40 to 38, revising internal layouts to ensure all of the one- and two-bed apartments meet minimum space standards, removing balconies, and adding a second staircase.
A viability appraisal submitted to Manchester City Council states that the scheme’s gross development value is £10.3m and it will cost £11.8m to build. No affordable homes will be delivered as a result.
NC Architecture is leading on the scheme’s design and Paul Butler Associates is advising on planning.
Approval of the plans and the prospect of work restarting are another boost for the area – considered one of Manchester’s most central grot spots – after Glenbrook was appointed to redevelop the neighbouring Church Street car park into a 300-home neighbourhood.
One of a few spots in the NQ that need completing that will improve the area drastically. Any news on Thomas Street?
By Tomo
This render doesn’t look massively in keeping with the Northern Quarter? Although I suppose it’s no more jarring than the recent Church St development.
Housing in those spots is welcome, but the area needs to be careful it doesn’t simply replace the elements that make it a popular tourist destination – and attractive to things like the Chanel ‘Metiers D’Art’ show – with generic developments. No-one is coming on holiday from the US to see the Greengate area, or organising an international fashion show around First Street.
By Salfordian
i cant believe the developer was trying to get away with 1 staircase and undersized spec flats lol
By Anonymous
£11.8m construction costs to build 38 apartments? Is that a joke?! So they’re building them for £11.8m with a scheme GDV of £10.3m so making a £1.5m loss overall. Which developer builds for a loss? Something isn’t adding up.
By Hamza
Would rather have the artwork
By Anonymous
I cannot believe that MCC are not forcing developer to have affordable units within the flats. By gentrifying the NQ it will considerably lose its character.
By Shah
It needs sorting ASAP! It could be a biohazard at the moment with all that standing water.
By Anon
Good news. Just need to get rid of that dump next door to it, the Home Design Store, or whatever it’s called
By Steve
Still a dump, regeneration cannot come soon enough
By Anonymous
If developers are seriously suggesting they want to go ahead with schemes which will lose them money, any viability assessments should be immediately disregarded by MCC. Some developers, or more likely speculators bring the whole system into disrepute.
By Anonymous