Lendlease set for May start on Manchester New Square

Urban & Civic has appointed Lendlease as its preferred contractor to build out the Manchester New Square project on the corner of Whitworth Street and Princess Street, with work due to begin next month.

The developer will release the first phase of apartments within the scheme for sale on the 27 April.

In total, 351 flats aimed at the high-end residential market are planned for the site.

The Carding building is the first of three blocks set to be available off-plan, and totals 117 apartments. The property is due to be complete in 2019.

Manchester New Square is the former Origin site, which lay vacant for a number of years before being bought by Urban & Civic in 2014. Earlier designs by SimpsonHaugh & Partners for the scheme included a hotel, however this use was changed to residential at the end of last year due to issues with viability.

The development includes a landscaped square and units at ground level for restaurants and retailers, along with a residents’ gym, lounge and 24-hour concierge.

Philip Leech, property director at Urban & Civic, said: “Like us, Lendlease has a fantastic track record in high quality, city centre, residential development. Our senior management team has a long affiliation with the company and together, we very much look forward to delivering the most exclusive new residences the city has seen for at least a decade.

“All of the apartments will be available for sale and our agent JLL is registering significant interest pre-launch from a range of potential buyers, including young professionals, overseas investors, parents with students in the city, buy-to-let investors and those looking for additional retirement income. The central location has broad appeal and the site sits within an already established residential community, with fast access to the rest of the city and transport networks.”