Urban Splash eyes May start on next New Islington phase

House by Urban Splash plans to start on 94 modular homes in Manchester’s New Islington in “either April or May”, director Nathan Cornish said at a topping out ceremony for the first phase of the scheme.

The developer, which is a joint venture between Urban Splash, Sekisui House and Homes England, secured approval to build this second phase of its 134-unit modular scheme last week.

House by Urban Splash intends to build two of its modular products at the site – 34 three-storey Town Houses and two Mansion House apartment blocks – which will together hold 60 apartments plus a commercial element at ground floor.

The first Mansion House building, a six-storey block with 40 apartments designed by Shedkm, reached its full height yesterday, and is due for completion in October.

At the topping out ceremony, Eddie Smith, Manchester City Council’s strategic director of growth and development, praised Urban Splash for developing a “rough” area of the city into a “vibrant community.”

He said the scheme “is almost the last bit of the jigsaw of New Islington. Next is the other side of the marina,” – referring to the 10.5-acre Central Retail Park, a masterplan for which was revealed in February for an office-led mixed-use development.

The Bennetts Associates-designed masterplan outlines plans for 10 buildings, including 1m sq ft of offices, along with some residential.

A development partner is yet to be appointed Central Retail Park and a competition is due to take place this year.

When asked if Urban Splash would put in a bid to develop Central Retail Park, Nathan Cornish said “watch this space.”

The current phase of Mansion House is due for completion in October