By ‘eck – vision for former Boddies site revealed

THE former Boddington’s Brewery site has been given an amazing new look with plans revealed by property developer Realty Estates.

Famous for launching the beer girl beauty Melanie Sykes in the Boddingtons advert, the site has now been officially branded Realty’s UX Manchester scheme – a mixed us development, supporting the regeneration of the growing city centre.

An event, introduced by Manchester City Council chief executive Sir Howard Bernstein, unveiled a series of plans for around 1.4m sq ft of retail, commercial, hospitality and residential units within walking distance of Victoria Station and Manchester’s thriving retail and business districts.

The aspiration for the seven-acre site is to include a 50% split between commercial and residential uses. The Strategic Regeneration Framework, conducted with Realty Estates’ advisor Deloitte Real Estate, has identified the potential for more than 1,000 residential units, 200,000 sq ft. of office accommodation, 80,000sq ft of commercial mixed-use space, a 272 bed hotel and 622 parking spaces.

The plans respond to a requirement for prime commercial and residential stock that consistently outweighs supply in the city core, as quality PRS and office space continue to note a particularly sharp spike in demand. Once complete, UX Manchester will bring the potential for a landmark PRS scheme, with a view to deliver the full spectrum of services from one property manager.  

Realty Estates chief executive Yousef Tishbi said: “We are experiencing a period of remarkable transformation in Manchester, with more exciting incoming city centre developments than we have witnessed for decades. The launch event for UX Manchester was an opportunity to share our vision for the sustained growth of Manchester City Centre.

“When we acquired the former Boddingtons Brewery site, we were investing in an area that not only has strong historical resonance for Manchester as a city, but has ties to our own history of business and development in the area.

“With Manchester’s leading industries continuing to evolve in line with advancing technologies, we are delivering an ideally suited destination that will exceed the expectations of the city centre community.”

Deloitte Real Estate in the Regions partner Simon Bedford said: “One of the greatest indicators of Manchester’s growing investment status has been the heightened demand for quality residential and commercial space in the city centre.

“The plans for UX Manchester have responded to this need with what will be a fully-functioning neighbourhood, which incorporates modern new homes with a viable business base, as well as a significant leisure and hospitality offer.

“With ideal connections via Victoria Station and the Manchester Inner Ring Road, UX Manchester will be a sought after location for businesses looking to attract staff from a wider catchment area, as well as for new tenants looking to live in a lively new neighbourhood.”

Initially, a partner is sought to bring forward the 500 residential units. Realty is looking for a development manager and forward funding purchaser for the completed PRS/residential scheme, but will also consider other conditional and unconditional deal structures in addition to different exit strategies for the site.
 
Deloitte Real Estate is advising Realty Estates, supported by WHR and Savills. AHR is architect on the scheme.