Oval to reshape Albert Bridge House vision

Viability constraints have prompted the developer to rethink its plans for the Manchester mixed-use scheme, with a reduction in office space planned.

Oval Developments still intends to redevelop the site of the vacant Albert Bridge House office block on the corner of Bridge Street, having acquired the plot for £30m in 2021.

The developer won permission for its debut Manchester scheme last year. Designed by Studio Egret West, the project proposed a 45-storey skyscraper featuring 367 homes and a distinctive 350,000 sq ft office block rising to 19 storeys.

However, market changes since then have resulted in the original plans becoming unviable. Oval will seek to submit plans for a revised scheme before the end of the year.

A report to Manchester City Council’s resources committee that provides an update on major projects states that talks have stalled between the developer and the authority over the former acquiring a long-leasehold on the council-owned car park to facilitate the scheme.

“[Oval] has recently advised that they are reviewing the scheme on viability grounds and are likely to require a new planning application,” the report states.

Talks over the long-awaited redevelopment of Investec’s House of Fraser, located a short distance from Albert Bridge House, are ongoing, according to the report.