McGoff reworks Manchester resi to ease Marble Arch concerns
A single 17-storey block will be built much further away from the much-loved Rochdale Road pub than first proposed after a backlash against the proposals.
McGoff unveiled plans for 145 flats within 10-, 15-, and 17-storey elements next to the Marble Arch pub last November. However, following pushback, the proposal has been reworked.
While the original scheme was planned for land directly next to the pub, the revised proposals will see a 13-metre gap opened up between the Marble Arch and McGoff’s development. An area of public realm will be created in this void.
As a result, the former Victoria Inn, which has most recently been used as a convenience store, will be knocked down in a change to the original plans, which proposed refurbishment.
The updated vision proposes slightly more homes – 153 instead of 145.
The changes to the scheme will be chalked up as a partial victory for local councillors who branded the original plan as “reprehensible” due to its potential impact on the Marble Arch.
A spokesperson for The McGoff Group says: “Following our last consultation we reviewed all feedback and have addressed the two main issues; proximity to the pub and lack of green space.
“The revised plans see the new, proposed development moving significantly further away from the pub and the introduction of green space, which is rare with a city centre development. The concerns of the pub and a couple of local residents have been taken into consideration and hopefully the revised plans will be well received following the latest consultation.”
WSP is advising on planning, Jon Matthews Architects is leading on design, and Planit is advising on landscape. Booth King Partnership, Davies Partnership, and S&C Engineering are also advising on the scheme.
To the rear of the application site, work on phase one of the Manchester project – a £50m, 237-home BTR scheme featuring 11- and 13-storey blocks – is nearing completion.
“Much further away” is a bit over an overstatement, especially when the development has gone from being stepped to a 17 floor block. Keep the stepped design, with the 10 floor adjacent to the 13 metre gap.
By Andrew
Still a big ugly slab of nothing. Architects need to stop acting like they lost their pens and only have an Etch-a-Sketch
By Anthony
How about we keep the Victoria Inn building too, which is perfectly suitable for re-use, and the developer works around the existing built heritage? As it is this is an absolute lump of a building that could do with losing a bit of girth.
How much is enough in this city?
By Anonymous
Wrong on every level. The former Victoria Inn needs to be retained as part of any proposal. Also, the proposed elevations and fenestration are poor.
By Heritage Action
Ok this is much better of a design compared to the last one this will create density around this area now all you have to do is make it 45 or 50 storeys with a luxury lobby then we’ll be all set!
By Giant skyscraper fan
Another ugly tower block designed by moron’s.
By Kevin
Why demolishing the Victoria Inn? Criminal.
By Anonymous
I think the revised plans are a great compromise. It’s fantastic to see that side of town being developed
By Kelly