Hodder scheme for Realty site in for planning

A £19m scheme designed by Hodder + Partners for the Realty Estates headquarters site on Manchester’s Rochdale Road has been submitted for planning.

If approved, the 25 Rochdale Road scheme would bring 100 apartments and commercial space to the site. Yousef Tishbi’s development business wants to demolish its current low-level office and replace it with a new building, part of it eight storeys and part 15.

Matt Dawson, associate director at Hodder + Partners, said: “To develop 25 Rochdale Road will bring welcome activity and one and two-bedroom residential units to an area that’s sorely underused.

“It’s a fantastic site and we believe our design plans knit together the NOMA masterplan and New Cross development, and will act as a great vehicle to induce further investment. Our design aims to stitch together a variety of building heights in the immediate vicinity as well as add to the recent high quality architecture in the area.”

The proposals, which include secure space for 100 bikes and 18 car parking spaces, are scheduled to be determined by Manchester City Council’s planning committee on 29 September.

A site close to the plot is due to house a building that is part of the NOMA plans. Manchester City Council’s executive was yesterday asked to approve a new public realm strategy for New Cross, preparing the way for residential development in the streets between Rochdale Road and Oldham Road, a key part of the Northern Gateway housing zone.

Hodder + Partners founder Stephen Hodder added: “25 Rochdale Road is an interesting project and one we have enjoyed working with Realty Estates on.

“Increasing the provision of high quality residential accommodation in the area will be vital in ensuring economic growth, not only in the immediate vicinity but within the city as a whole.”