Xpercity picks up stalled Manchester resi
Plans for 69 canalside homes on Store Street were approved more than four years ago but the project has failed to get off the ground due to viability constraints.
Xpercity has acquired the Manchester site from the Canal and Rivers Trust to bring the development forward.
With Xpercity at the helm, the project will have a 20% affordable provision. In 2020, when the scheme was first unveiled by Clarion Housing Association and H20 Urban – a joint venture between developer Bloc and the Canal & River Trust – it was proposed as a 100% affordable scheme.
However, Clarion walked away in 2022 after the cost of the project increased from £10.5m to £16m.
Having acquired the site, Xpercity has appointed CBRE to find a registered provider to operate the 13 affordable homes within the scheme.
Nick Legget, development director at H20, said: “Following the grant of planning permission, H2O has been working tirelessly to negate the impact of significant market volatility, to ensure the scheme remained viable for delivery.
“By identifying a suitable partner in Xpercity, the approved scheme can now be delivered with a policy compliant level of affordable housing, as set out in the S106 Agreement. We look forward to seeing the scheme brought forward, which, unlike most of the residential schemes delivered in the city centre in recent years, will ensure delivery of much-needed affordable housing.”
The Store Street development will be completed by Xpercity’s sister company, Big Red Construction, and is set to be ready for occupation in quarter one of 2026.
The build-to-rent development will comprise 66 one- and two-bed apartments, and three townhouses. The scheme will be branded Outram in recognition of Benjamin Outram, the engineer who built the nearby aqueduct.
Designed by AHR Architects, Outram will be positioned on a small triangular plot next to the Ashton Canal and comprise two adjoining blocks.
The blocks are designed to address a 6.5-metre disparity in elevation between the canal towpath and Store Street.
The first block is 11 storeys rising from street level, while the second, at four storeys, rises from the level of the canal towpath.
Mike Lomas, founder of the BR2.0 Group, which includes both Xpercity and Big Red Construction, said: “Xpercity aims to create a more enjoyable way of living and our latest site on Store Street will do just that.
“Renting shouldn’t be a headache for people. We’re seeing a continued strong demand for build-to-rent in Manchester, and we’re delighted to be able to offer quality living to those wanting to have the benefits of being close to the city centre.”
Elsewhere in the North of England, Xpercity is currently developing a 106-unit site in Cheadle, with £13.8m backing from Zorin Finance.
Hasn’t this project already started construction though?
By Anonymous
Another outdated design from a certain architectural practice that holds no relation to the urban fabric around it.
By Anonymous
Another beige bore. It will probably be called Niece, or Cousin by the end of the year.
By Elephant