No1 Castlefield is another troubled DeTrafford project. Credit: via planning documents

DeTrafford sets start date for £75m No1 Castlefield

The developer’s construction arm is set to start enabling works in October to deliver the £75m, 419-apartment scheme just outside Manchester city centre.

DeTrafford secured consent for the Ollier Smurthwaite-designed project in November 2017, with the planning permission including 419 flats across five blocks ranging between five and 16 storeys, along with ground floor commercial and retail space totalling 32,200 sq ft.

There is a variety of apartment types including larger duplexes with external terraces on the top floor of each of the brick-clad blocks.

According to DeTrafford, demolition of existing buildings, including four vacant industrial units, and enabling works are due to begin in the coming months with main works starting in the new year, including piling works and the erection of the blocks’ concrete frame.

A non-material planning amendment was submitted to Manchester city council in May, allowing demolition to go ahead, and outlining DeTrafford’s role as main contractor.

It will be DeTrafford’s largest job as a main contractor once work begins; the developer launched a contracting arm last year with hires from Carillion and Select Property Group, and started on site at the £20m second phase of St George’s Gardens in Castlefield.

The company had previously used Pochin’s as main contractor for its central Manchester residential work, including City Gardens, the Roof Gardens, and the Sky Gardens.

However, DeTrafford found itself in dispute with Pochin’s and the architect, again Ollier Smurthwaite, over City Gardens; the build started on site in 2017 but is understood to be running behind scheduled and over budget. Pochin’s called in administrators earlier this month citing “legacy issues from earlier contracts”; the business’ construction arm also posted a loss of £6m in the year to February 2018.

DeTrafford was contacted for comment.

Your Comments

Read our comments policy

Related Articles

Sign up to receive the Place Daily Briefing

Join more than 13,000 property professionals and receive your free daily round-up of built environment news direct to your inbox

Subscribe

Join more than 13,000 property professionals and sign up to receive your free daily round-up of built environment news direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you are agreeing to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.

"*" indicates required fields

Your Job Field*
Other regional Publications - select below