Planning application lodged for re-imagined residential scheme

Following several months of valuable public consultation, local property developer Salboy has submitted a planning application for its re-worked residential scheme on Back Turner Street in Manchester’s bustling Northern Quarter.

Having previously had a planning application pushed back on the site, Salboy, alongside Jon Matthews Architects, held public consultation events last September and October and also hosted several other meetings with interested nearby neighbours.

Feedback from the local community was heavily in favour of trying to retain as much of the existing warehouse on site as possible, which has led to a re-imagined design that is now more sympathetic to its location, while still promoting the very best in modern architecture.

The introduction of a small pocket park to the plans has also been well received, with comments indicating it was an important factor for a neighbourhood such as the Northern Quarter.

Situated between Back Turner Street, Shudehill and High Street, the proposals provide a residential-led development comprising 65 high specification one-, two- and three-bed apartments.

There will also be 163 sqm of commercial floorspace at ground level – suitable for retail, office space, a gym or cinema.

Appreciating the context of the site, the scheme has been designed as three unique interlinking elements.

At a higher level on Shudehill the building drops down to six storeys on Northern Quarter’s High Street.

At the centre of the design is the retained brick warehouse, which will add a significant injection of character to the scheme.

The contrasting fully-glazed nature of the taller building, as well as its sleek and sculptured design, will provide a striking gateway to the Northern Quarter.

Jon Matthews, director at Jon Matthews Architects, said: “Retaining the core warehouse on Back Turner Street is certainly a challenge from an architectural and construction point of view.

“It has meant that we have had to re-work the newer elements of the scheme slightly to make it viable. At its highest point the scheme is 9m higher than any previous design for the site. Although, by city centre standards, this is still not particularly tall.

“The massing, bulk and slab-like nature of the previous application was also far more significant and consistent across the length of the site.

“In contrast, the new tower’s visual impact has been significantly reduced through the design of a tall, slender and elegant form.

“This is further refined and managed through a series of well-considered cladding materials that frames the activity and life of the building.”

Simon Ismail, director at Salboy, said: “We are from Manchester and respect the unique character and buzz of the Northern Quarter immensely.

“Since our first public consultation back in September we have worked closely with the local community and invested additional capital and resources to extend our consultation activity.

“While our original plans have changed significantly with the decision to retain much of the existing building on site, we are genuinely delighted and proud to now submit plans that we feel are of benefit to everyone in the community.

“This scheme will allow people to put down roots and contribute to a growing community.”

Planning advice on the scheme has been provided by Euan Kellie Property Solutions.