Toast Rack scheme gets the green light

PLANS for the residential redevelopment of The Toast Rack – the former Manchester Metropolitan University campus – have been approved by Manchester City Council.

Proposals for 210 one, two, three and four bed units, 20,000sq ft of gym and leisure facilities and 7,000sq ft of retail space at the Hollings Campus in Fallowfield were submitted in March.

Generation’s development will be supported by a full, 24 hour concierge service and includes almost two acres of amenity space for residents.



The amenity space provides a covered winter garden with play areas for children; a rooftop garden on top of The Toast Rack building boasting uninterrupted views over Manchester; a courtyard garden, a grassed play area and other grassed relaxation areas around the site.

It is envisaged that work will start later this year and the development will be phased over two years. The gym is scheduled to be the first of the elements to be delivered.

Co-founder of Generation Shehzad Chaudhri said: “This scheme was carefully crafted in light of the site’s listed status and we are really looking forward to getting started now it has been given the green light.

“We are confident that the local community will be pleased with the development and its positive impact on the surroundings when this comes to fruition. Further details will be released on Generation’s website in due course.

“We saw a fantastic opportunity with The Toast Rack and this bold scheme is just the statement that south Manchester market needs. We’ve also examined the economic landscape in the light of the recent Brexit vote and the pent up demand for this type of housing product in the suburbs remains strong.”

Generation acquired The Toast Rack building for £5n on behalf of The Home Property Group via its subsidiary company, Estrela Properties, in October 2014 with the aim of bringing the values and amenities offered by city centre PRS schemes to the suburbs.

Generation is The Home Property Group’s representative in the UK.

Paul Butler Associates acted as planning adviser, Ollier Smurthwaite Architects designed the new-build elements within the development – the Stitching block and the Gateway building. SixTwo Architects redesigned the existing listed buildings comprising The Toast Rack, the Horseshoe and the Drum. Joule Consulting Engineers gave structural advice.

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