Green light for Castlefield basin resi scheme
Waterside Developments has been granted planning permission for a new 22,959sq ft residential scheme in Castlefield basin in Manchester.
Designed by Manchester-based architects GA Studio the scheme comprises 24 units with a mix of one and two bed apartments and two and three bed duplex apartments.
GA Studio worked closely with Manchester City Council and Castlefield Forum to produce a scheme that would satisfy all parties and complement the surrounding area.
The council stated: “The proposed scheme has been the subject of significant design consideration, consultation and evolution. The buildings and public realm would be of a high quality and would help to raise the standard of design more generally in the area.”
Martin James Gibson, managing director of GA Studio, said: “The design of the scheme has been carefully considered in relation to the context of the Castlefield Conservation area and the adjacent heritage assets, namely Middle Warehouse, Merchants Warehouse and the listed Viaduct.
“The building will formalise the structure of enclosure to the Castlefield Basin and provide contemporary spaces to live which capitalise on the location. As part of the design, a third of the site has been retained as accessible green space for the public. Materials appropriate to the area, such as brick, steel sheet and glass have been selected for their longevity and synergy with the surroundings.”
Ian Christie, secretary of Castlfield Forum added: “Many Forum members felt this site shouldn’t be developed at all but should be preserved and landscaped as the heart of one of the city centre’s few major pieces of parkland.
“However, we recognised there were no planning grounds on which such an objection could be realistically based and that the site would very probably be developed.
“Many of us feel that the proposals are a very thoughtful solution to a challenging site. In particular, we like the way they keep one-third of the site as open space, retain important views in and out of the area and are suitable in shape and scale to the spatial character of this part of the conservation area.”
How Planning was the appointed planning consultants.
