Demolition imminent for Northern Quarter building

The derelict 5 Back Turner Street in Manchester, a building within the boundaries of proposed development by Fred Done-backed developer Salboy, is to be felled following the issue of a demolition order.

Building surveyors from Manchester firm Renaissance Structural & Civil Engineering, brought into the site by Salboy as part of its plans to rework development proposals, had such concerns about the building’s integrity that they alerted the building control team at Manchester City Council. As the statutory body responsible, the council has issued a demolition order.

A spokesman for Salboy said: “We have been closely monitoring the condition of the warehouse building at 5 Back Turner Street. A full internal inspection has been challenging as it has been deemed unsafe to access the building internally, largely due to the condition of the floors and large areas of floor collapse.

“During their most recent visit to the site, our specialist surveyors were able to use cameras and other specialist equipment to investigate previously inaccessible areas of the building. This revealed that the internal collapse had escalated and raised very serious concerns about the structural stability of the building.

“We have acted on this information immediately and have been in close contact with Building Control at Manchester City Council. The decision has been taken that full demolition of the building is the only feasible option to secure the safety of the site and the surrounding area, and as such, we have made arrangements for the safe demolition of the building.”

The demolition team is to mobilise its operation today, with the actual process likely to start tomorrow morning, Place understands.

Salboy’s statement continued: “Demolition is expected to be complete within 24 hours. During this time road closures will need to be implemented on Back Turner Street and Soap Street. We will be working to minimise disturbance but understandably the safety of all involved, including our neighbours, is our top priority.”

“We wish to stress that the demolition of 5 Back Turner Street is solely the result of the professional advice we have received and our responsibility as a landowner for the safety of this site. This is entirely separate to the ongoing discussions about the future of the site, where we are committed to working with all local stakeholders to bring forward a new proposal that will bring this site back into active use.”

Earlier this month, Salboy launched a public consultation on proposals for a 50-apartment scheme at its Back Turner Street/High Street site. In February this year, its previous plan for the site, a 13-storey aparthotel to be operated by Zoku, was refused consent after three deferrals, officers having recommended approval each time.

Six buildings, including 5 Back Turner Street, along with 30 and 32 Shudehill, 1/3 Nicholas Croft, and 1 and 3 Back Turner Street, were to be demolished to enable the Zoku development.

Those proposals had attracted fierce opposition, mostly due to the height of the proposed building, with the project being slightly reworked before its final submission. The reaction today on social media to the emerging news at Back Turner Street today has been equally vociferous, with residents and other individuals calling the process into question.

Simon Ismail, director at Salboy, said on launching consultation for the reworked scheme: “We were naturally disappointed not to have previous proposals for Back Turner Street approved and we have worked hard to resolve the concerns raised.

“This revised residential scheme will provide the sort of homes not currently available in this neighbourhood, allowing people to put down roots and contribute to a growing community.”