Midgard drafted in to build 55-storey Salford skyscraper
Listed developer One Heritage has appointed Midgard to construct what would be the city’s tallest tower after failing to agree a way forward with Laing O’Rourke.
Laing O’Rourke had been lined up as One Heritage’s preferred contractor for the 542-home project, having signed a pre-construction services agreement last year.
However, the contractor is no longer involved in the 55-storey project, prompting the appointment of Midgard, the contracting arm of Hertfordshire-based JRL Group.
Midgard is also lined up to build CDL Hospitality Trusts’ 352-home Castings development in Manchester.
Prior to the appointment of Midgard, it is understood that both Vinci Construction and Sir Robert McAlpine looked at the job but turned it down.
Jason Upton, chief executive of One Heritage, said: “We are delighted to be partnering with Midgard to deliver One Heritage Tower. We will be entering a PCSA imminently and look forward to progressing the scheme.”
Laing O’Rourke declined to comment and Midgard was contacted for comment.
A revised application for the project is tipped for approval next week. Credit: via planning documents.
Prompted by the pandemic, One Heritage recently lodged a revised planning application for the £163m project to the city council, as revealed by Place North West.
One Heritage Group won approval for the skyscraper in January 2020 but work has not started on site.
Construction was due to start last year with a targeted completion date of 2023/24. However, in January the developer revised the timeframe of the project, eyeing a start in Q1 of 2021, which never materialised.
The revised plans will go before Salford City Council’s planning committee next week with a recommendation to approve.
Subject to approval of the revised plans, a start on site is now expected later this year and construction is anticipated to take four years, according to One Heritage’s website.
The development site is bordered by the River Irwell and sits on the corner of New Bridge Street and Greengate, next to Elliot Group’s stalled Residence development.
The 390,000 sq ft skyscraper would be the tallest building in Salford at 173 metres and the second tallest in Greater Manchester behind Deansgate Square’s South Tower, which stands at 200 metres tall.
The project team features OMI as the architect and Euan Kellie Property Solutions as the planning consultant. Gardiner and Theobald, Crookes Walker Consulting, DP Squared, SK Transport and GIA are also advising on the scheme.
One Heritage floated on the London Stock Exchange last year.
Just sell the plans to Renaker already
By Alex
Tower blocks around Salford and Manchester keep on getting taller. What’s next 80/90 floors.
By Darren Born Bred.
Keep building and raise the profile of our two great cities. Plus create local quality long term jobs!
By Manc
I sincerely hope they don’t f this one up. I’m aware that’s not the most sensible way to put it but this could be spectacular if they get it right. It will be iconic and a real asset to the whole city, likely one of the most sought after residential locations on the market, but again, they have to get it right. No cheaping out on materials, cutting back on public realm, screwing up the street interaction and possibly most importantly, leave the crown just how it is.
Fingers crossed!!!!
By The Squirrel's Nuts
Fantastic news , it had taken 15 years for the Lex in Liverpool to even get a spade in the ground, I sincerely hope things change here and people vote Labour out of Liverpool
By Anonymous
A Better design than most in the city Center as at least its not a flat top. Just wish they’d move it a couple of hundred yards over and cover the Arndale tower with it.
By Tall tall
Agree with some of the comments below, it’s a better design than most of the flat-tops in Manchester.
By James P
Can’t help but think this will suffer from plenty of value engineering and we will be very disappointed if it is ever built. Why would 3 of the country’s top main contractors walk away from the project?
By Big Dub
The reason all of the big boys have walked away is simple its the classic , Champagne taste with Beer money !
By Paul
Loving the designs but we need more taller buildings something different and more WOW
By Anonymous