Tri7 and Fusion progress 40-storey PBSA tower
The site of a failed £125m apartment project was purchased out of administration for £16m last year and plans are now being worked up for a student tower on the Whitworth Street West plot.
Tri7 and Fusion are working with architect Corstorphine & Wright on plans for a 40-storey PBSA tower on the site of a stalled scheme known as Vision.
Vision Manchester, the Paul Rothwell-owned SPV behind the 35-storey development, was placed into administration last year after failing to keep up with loan repayments to Octopus.
Having acquired the site, Tri7 had the option of delivering out the consented 327-apartment scheme or going in for a redesign.
The site’s new owner is now progressing plans for a project five floors taller than the failed Vision scheme, opting to go down the student homes route rather than standard apartments that were previously proposed.
While the number of bedspaces Tri7 and Fusion plan to deliver has not yet been disclosed, the development would feature lounge areas, work stations, a café, cold storage space, concierge, gym, dinner party rooms and communal roof space, according to planning documents prepared by Wardell Armstrong and submitted to Manchester City Council.
Tri7 has an ongoing partnership with student developer Fusion that has seen the pair progress plans for purpose-built student accommodation in London, Leeds, and Loughborough.
Fusion is also behind a scheme currently under construction a short distance away. The 28-storey project, also designed by Corstorphine & Wright, was initially refused by the city council but that decision was overturned at appeal.
The Whitworth Street West project is located next to Glenbrook’s proposed 44-storey tower.
Wrong place for student accommodation. Let’s hope this doesn’t see the light of day. Because they won at appeal, they think they can do it anywhere, let’s hope MCC have their ducks in a row!
By Anonymous
exciting to see this project back in line! it will improve the skyline along with the 44 storey tower next to it!
By Giant skyscraper fan
That’s a shame, vision would have been a really nice addition to the skyline and having a restaurant with panoramic views at the top
By Anonymous
It definitely wrong place for student tower it would be in Oxford Road area it will be perfect for student nearly the university area it important for student connection those area.
By G J Kitchener
@ Anonymous, how is this the wrong place for student accommodation? It’s within easy walking distance to the main university campuses which are just around the corner. It’s right next door to excellent public transport option (important for students who don’t own cars) and is close to other student towers. In fact, it’s a perfect place for student accommodation
By EOD
This site deserves more than student resi. It would be great to see the site developed but wrong use.
By 3D Chess Player
Certainly needs a redesign. Get rid of the gray and orange cladding.
By John
Not at all wrong location for students. Absolutely the right location. I doubt the site works for any other use other than coliving which is quasi student anyway. If it looks half as good as their Deansgate scheme then it will be great.
By Anon
Is there genuinely enough demand for all of the PBSA being delivered across the city and what is fuelling it?
By Anonymous