Oval adds 400 homes and slashes office space at Albert Bridge House
The developer’s updated proposals for the redevelopment of the Manchester site feature an additional residential tower and 100,000 sq ft reduction in office space compared to the plans approved in 2023.
The developer debut Manchester scheme, designed by Studio Egret West, proposed a 45-storey skyscraper featuring 367 homes and a distinctive 350,000 sq ft office block rising to 19 storeys.
After a rethink on shifting market demand, Oval Real Estate is now seeking permission for 800 apartments in towers reaching 37 and 49 storeys and a 17-storey office block featuring 250,000 sq ft of workspace.
- View the plans www.albertbridgehouse-mcr.com
The plans for the site would provide outdoor amenity space, including connections with the River Irwell, the developer said.
The earlier iteration of the scheme featured just two buildings. Credit: NBV Studio
Place North West revealed last year that Oval was taking a second look at the scheme due to viability constraints.
A planning application for the updated scheme is expected later this year.
Will Parry, head of investment at Oval, said: “We are delighted to present our updated proposals, which aim to unlock the full potential of this important gateway site and help realise the ambition of the St Mary’s Parsonage SRF.
“Our vision is to deliver a truly first-class landmark that not only enhances the city’s skyline but also creates a dynamic and inclusive space for both the local community and the wider city. By blending high-quality design, sustainable development principles, and carefully considered public spaces, we aspire to establish a destination that is both vibrant and enduring, contributing positively to the area’s long-term growth and character.”
Oval bought the Albert Bridge House office block on the corner of Bridge Street for £30m in 2021.
Good to see the original plan went back to the drawing board! This new design is miles ahead of the old, and is a more efficient use of space.
By Anonymous
More homes will require more car parking spaces and put pressure on public services including schools , dentists , GPs ,hospitals , waste refuse,sewage and foul water etc.The Council tax for the inner City needs to be raised to cover for these costs.
By Paul griffiths
That square is gong to look dreadful when finished when all it needed was a slight tweak and spruce up of what is already there. What a complete waste.
By Loganberry
Loganberry by name, sour grapes by nature – these look fantastic, a great improvement of the original design (which looked incredibly dated before it had even left the drawing board), these will look great on the river front and another couple of talls that aren’t purely glazed too.
By Anonymous
Disagree with Loganberry. This was an old brutalist style structure which needed bulldozing. Not every building deserves to be saved
By The faceman
eek
By Anonymous
@Paul Griffiths – surely the additional c. £1 million a year in Council Tax revenues from the new apartments will cover the additional services needed, and the additional c.£800k a year in water rates paid by the new apartments will cover the foul water costs.
By ALL
Efficient design = bland – the original was a lot more interesting
By MEH
@ Paul Griffiths – you do realise all the people living in this will be paying council tax and boosting the councils coffers. Denser living is also far more economical for the council. I would go as far as to say the centre probably subsidises the suburbs.
By Bob
I always quit liked Albert Bridge House. Very much of its late 1950s era, so few buildings from this period left in Manchester. The photo of it’s replaced is hideous
By Anonymous
The existing Albert Bridge House is a great piece of architecture, it should be retained and refurbished.
By Anonymous
@ Paul – the new homes here will raise funds via council taxation. More people = more tax = more funds to pay for services required for said people.
By Anonymous
Would need to see more detail than just a single vague cgi but looks slightly better than that first design. When I do see more detail I shall comment ad nauseam and drone on like everyone else in the comments as if we actually matter.
By Al Bundy
A tweak? . Of Albert House?…no , no, no no, no. No ! Demolition and a fresh replan like this, that’s what’s needed. Albert house was ugly from the day it was born. Let’s get rid and move on.
By Anonymous
It looks a lot like Circle Square
By Anonymous
@ March 04, 2025 at 2:54 pm
By Anonymous
I do agree this is much better but there’s no need for the ad hominem on Loganberry.
By Rye
Cheap and tacky cladding. Banal design. Architects need to go back to the drawing board… once again.
By John
One small picture with no detail that’s representative of a basic design and people are wittering about cladding. With some of then it’s almost an auto response a sort of set in stone bias that starts with daylight.
By Anonymous
Oh dear. Happy with more buildings but disappointed in the way the design has been watered down. Very dull re-design, another missed opportunity. Expected more of SEW!
By Missed opportunity