Landmark building planned for key site in Manchester city centre
A major new building is being planned for a key site in the heart of Manchester city centre.
Leeds based developer CEG is putting together plans for the brand new 22- storey building on the High Street opposite the Arndale Centre.
The 360,000 sq ft building, which will include new restaurants and shops along with 360 flats, is to be built next door to the Debenhams department store.
A tired looking 1970s office block which currently occupies the site will be demolished to make way for the new development.
The developers have been holding a public consultation about their plans and a full planning application will be lodge with the city council over the next two months.
If all goes to plan work on the site could start as early as next year and will take around 18 months to complete.
CEG say around 100 new jobs will be created in the building which will be open to the public.
High Street
The market stalls which currently on the corner of High Street and Church Street would be moved back to their original site near Affleck’s Palace as part of the development.
CEG have owned the existing building for four years and have been in talks with various organisation including the City Council and tenants about the future of the site.
David Hodgson, from CEG, said: “This is a key site and we have been looking at various options.
“When we looked at the design of the building we wanted it to reflect the history and the architecture of Manchester.
“And the aim is to create a thoroughfare which will mean people can move from the main shopping area of Manchester through to the Northern Quarter.”
The firm held a consultation event last year and have included suggestions in their plans.
David Hodgson said: “We have responded to feedback from last year’s consultation event by delivering a roof terrace and courtyard garden onto Birchin Lane.
“We are also proposing to reopen the historic Stationer’s Court as a covered plaza which will provide access through the building from the High Street out to the Northern Quarter with distinctive shops and restaurants offering covered and outdoor seating.”
CEG has appointed FCB Studios, the architect’s behind Manchester School of Art, Manchester Metropolitan Business School and Murray’s Mills in Ancoats.
Alex Whitbread, Partner at FCB Studios, said: “Our design approach looks to create a new iconic landmark at the key corner of High Street and Church Street where the Northern Quarter and the city centre retail quarter meet.
“The architecture refers to the city’s past, drawing on the adjacent Debenhams and grand office buildings such as Sunlight House to create a new building which is distinctly and proudly Mancunian.”
FCB Studios has also designed the proposals to move the market stalls on Church Street to a new contemporary style of accommodation offering indoor and outdoor areas, returning to their historic home next to the nearby Church Street car park.
