The scheme was approved in principle in May 2021. Credit: via planning documents

MCR’s Gasworks takes shape

12 August 2020 08:41 Neil Tague Comments (0)

Southvalley Estates, part of MCR Property Group, has revisited its longstanding plans to redevelop the site, which sits within Manchester’s Northern Gateway masterplan and is tipped to house 1,200 homes, with a consultation launch.

The developer has started the consultation process ahead of possibly submitting a planning application later this year.

MCR has owned the land, used as surface parking, since 2015, and first floated plans for a scheme of around 1,200 homes in several blocks including a 25-storey tower in 2017, without progressing to planning. It then brought the scheme back to the table last October, but again did not launch a consultation or submit an application at that time.

Alongside the residential element – which would comprise apartments and townhouses – the developer plans commercial units, a park between Gould Street and Bromley Street, and an east-west pedestrian and cycle link through the 6.7-acre site, which would also have underground parking.

MCR’s professional team includes planning consultant WSP, architect AHR Architects and landscape and public realm designer Planit-IE. Consultancy BDP provided mechanical, electrical, civil and structural engineering services.

Manchester City Council has long earmarked the site for a residential-led development within its Northern Gateway Strategic Regeneration Framework, more specifically it sits within Zone C of the New Cross Neighbourhood Development Framework.

The development is intended to be built in four phases, starting with the corner on Gould Street closest to Rochdale Road, with a tentative target date of late 2023. The residential tower is likely to be the last piece of the development to be built, towards the end of the current decade.

Nick Lake, asset manager at MCR Property Group, said: “Our vision for this site has been a labour of love over the past few years. Our ambitious proposals for The Gasworks New Town realise the development potential of a key city centre location and the aspirations for the Northern Gateway.

“We have worked in close collaboration with Manchester City Council to bring forward a major transformative development that will create a new beating heart of a community in close proximity to the city centre. We look forward to finalising the formal planning application in line with public feedback.”

Matthew Hard, associate director of WSP, added: “New green spaces and new pedestrian and cycle routes will help transform this site and provide a catalyst and exemplar for the rest of the Northern Gateway.”

People are invited to offer feedback online up until Sunday 23 August or email comments to UKPlanningComment@wsp.com or call 0161 200 9880. The deadline is Sunday 23 August.