Aytoun framework set for sign-off

Manchester City Council is due to endorse a strategic regeneration framework for Aytoun Street, to guide the £175m redevelopment of the site being brought forward by a joint venture between Capital & Centric and Henry Boot.

The JV was selected as preferred purchaser of Manchester Metropolitan University's former city centre campus in March 2014. The 2.3-acre site currently has 250,000 sq ft of vacant university buildings.

The framework, which is to be discussed by the council executive this morning, focuses on a mix of uses, including residential, restaurants, hotels and aparthotels, along with workspace and ground floor retail activity.

According to a report to the council "the proposals will create a new, vibrant and creative mixed-use residentially-led neighbourhood, integrating the site with the surrounding area, transforming the environment and appearance of this important gateway with new buildings, new public streets, squares and active commercial and leisure uses at ground floor level."

Listed buildings Minto & Turner and Minshull House will be retained, and have been earmarked in the framework as suitable for independent uses such as workspace, gallery space, and restaurants.

According to previous reports, the final scheme is expected to total 450,000 sq ft, with the current library building converted into offices, and the 1960s tower building used to house a hotel and apartments. The former lecture building will be demolished to make way for a public realm space.

The scheme could deliver up to 500 new homes.