Zentra buys Manchester site earmarked for £10m apartment scheme
The development company formerly known as One Heritage has acquired a site on Old Mill Street from Urban Splash that has planning permission for 40 flats in a six-storey block.
Publicly listed Zentra Group is planning to start construction of the New Islington development – which is split equally between one- and two-bedroom flats – in Q3 this year. Completion is slated for the end of 2026.
The acquisition is the company’s first under its Zentra Living brand, which focuses on delivering design-led residential developments throughout the North West.
The Old Mill Street scheme is Zentra’s second Manchester project. Construction of One Victoria, a 129-unit development close to the AO Arena, is ongoing.
The purchase “underpins” the firm’s appetite for more projects in Manchester, according to Ben Scandrett, group development director at Zentra Group.
“New Islington is well known for its vibrant offer and wide appeal, so we’re excited that Zentra Living will play a part in its regeneration with a scheme that provides a positive addition to the community and place.
“This acquisition not only demonstrates our confidence in Manchester’s residential market but also reinforces Zentra’s commitment to delivering thoughtfully designed, sustainable urban living spaces.”
He added: “The project aligns with our broader growth strategy, which focuses on identifying prime sites across the North West that offer strong investment potential and community value.”
Urban Splash won planning approval for the scheme last year having acquired the site from the YO group in 2022.
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The site was previously the subject of proposals from YO Home, part of the group that operates the YO Sushi and Yotel chains, for a 24-flat project that the company said would “reinvent” the city centre apartment.
However, the project never got off the ground despite securing planning approval from Manchester City Council.
A spokesperson for Urban Splash said the deal with Zentra “marks the next chapter in the success story of New Islington”
“For two decades, Urban Splash and our partners have worked hard to transform the area.
“To date, we have created hundreds of new family homes and apartments, a marina, workspaces, and amenities for the local community and Manchester as a whole.
“We’re delighted to welcome Zentra as part of this ongoing evolution, continuing our long history of successful collaborations in the area.”
Does anyone understand the reason for the mysterious shift from One Heritage to Zentra?
By Anon
You can read more here – https://www.placenorthwest.co.uk/one-heritage-eyes-fresh-start-with-decisive-restructure-and-rebrand/
By Dan Whelan
Good to hear that Zentra have finally got this one over the line. They only have a few people left and funding it would have not been easy .
By Lapland
Unfortunately, I am going to have to disagree with Urban Splash’s statement about their commitment to the regeneration of the area.
They left the dispensary to rot for many years and the Chips Building was hardly a top quality job (e.g. cladding / communal hot water system). The US House schemes are already showing their age and I understand Mansion House leaks like a sieve.
Arguably Manchester Life has done more for the area (even if Urban Splash were their “first”).
By GQ