Manchester gears up for first phase of Medieval Quarter

A planning application detailing the first three phases of Manchester’s Medieval Quarter, centred around creating new public space between the Cathedral, Chetham’s, and the River Irwell, has been submitted.

A masterplan by SimpsonHaugh detailing a series of public realm improvements around the Cathedral, Chetham’s the Corn Exchange, and the Football Museum was outlined to the council in 2016, and the first planning application has now come forward to allow part of the project to progress.

This covers phases 1a, 1b, and 1c of the masterplan: 1a centres on a new external space to Cathedral Gardens along the Irwell; 1b covers opening up one side of Chetham’s and excavating part of a defence ditch to create a city park, featuring willow trees and sculptures; while 1c includes improved public realm around the Cathedral’s front entrance.

A map outlining the phasing plan for the Medieval Quarter

Galliford Try has been picked to deliver the project in a £2m contract; this is expected to begin later this year subject to planning approval. The former Palatine Buildings fronting Victoria Street, dating from the 1960s, have already been demolished to open up views of the listed Chetham’s buildings.

Vehicular access will be maintained to allow maintenance access, and access to Chetham’s from where Victoria Street meets Chapel Street. There will also be a new pedestrian point of access to the site from Hunts Bank to the north.

The design team includes landscape architect Planit-IE, Civic Engineers, and Deloitte as heritage consultant.

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Will it ever happen though?

By York Street

, , , and if it does happen it’s only 22 years late. It was a key part of the city centre redevelopment after the ITA bomb.

By old hack

SimpsonHaugh, Deloitte, Planit-IE. New boys in town: this will get canned.

By Why not just bring them in house?

Apart from Piccadilly Gardens MCC have a good record of creating excellent public realm unfortunately their ability to maintain and keep these public spaces free from litter is appalling.

By Lenny1968

I find it astonishing the consistent reference to ‘same old faces’ rather than supporting locally grown businesses that have expanded beyond the City. Very rarely do London or Leeds knock those very businesses their cities have given birth to…..

By Anonymous

Looks good. Surely area 1B would be the ideal place to have a peace/memorial garden in memory of the Manchester bomb victims.

By Steve

The Palatine Buildings from the 1960s?
Do you mean the Palatine Buildings built in 1843? Not even the right century. Try again.

By Pal of Mine

While no great loss, the Palatine Building was built in the 19th century, not the 1960’s.

By Phil Wild

GT involved – probably cost about double.

By M40

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