City’s resi revival continues
Muse Developments has submitted a planning application for a ten-storey apartment building in Smithfield, its mixed-use scheme in Manchester's Northern Quarter.
The colourful design by Mark Weintraub Architecture & Design LLP is for 77 flats and 6,100 sq ft of ground-floor units suitable for shops, offices or restaurants. There will be 45 basement car parking spaces and associated landscaping.
The site is bounded by Shudehill, Eagle Street, Goadsby Street and High Street. Muse has already delivered 300 apartments and two hotels at Smithfield.
The application is the latest sign the residential development market is returning to the city centre after a period of dormancy, with several developers led by Renaker and Lend Lease investing in the next wave of city living again.
Wes Erlam, senior development surveyor, Muse Developments, said: "Muse is committed to bringing this next phase of development forward. Our plans complement the existing neighbourhood and build on our continued investment in the city centre. We are now in the process of progressing funding approvals to enable a start on site later this year subject to planning consent."
A bid has been made to the Homes & Communities Agency's Get Britain Building fund. Completion is due in the first quarter of 2014.
At the same time, subject to a separate planning application, Muse will undertake the first phase of restoration of the adjacent grade II-listed Mackie Mayor building, owned by Manchester City Council. The vacant building will be protected and made watertight, with new glazing, roof and internal repairs. Muse and the council will then work on finding an occupier for the historic landmark. The building would be suitable for a range of uses. This would be the seventh and final phase of Smithfield.
Consultation on the Smithfield block starts today and is due to finish on 27 July. The planning decision is due by 19 September at the latest.
Maybe,just maybe, and this might sound like a crazy idea, the Mackie Mayor building could be used as a MARKET? After all, this is what it was built for, and it is certainly something Manchester lacks, unless you include the one in the Arndale which is far too sterile. Outdoor ‘Farmers Markets’ are all well and good, but with our climate, a good indoor market (including quality hot food retailers and cafes) would surely be the way to go? Once the building had been made watertight that would be most of the job done, as services could be installed on a temporary basis (e.g. portaloos etc). If I was 20 years younger I’d be off starting an on-line petition to the Council…..
By UnaPlanner
An old market revamped and made into a new market: Don’t we already have one of those down the road at the Craft and Design Centre? Personally, I think it would make a great arts and performance space. But whatever happens, let’s make sure it’s preserved for the city in a way that ensures this beautiful building can be used and enjoyed by the public.
By Sarah