Plans for next phase of First Street development go public

Ask Real Estate and Whitbread will host a public exhibition to launch emerging proposals for the next phase of the First Street regeneration area in Manchester.

The public event will take place on Tuesday, July 16, from 3pm until 7pm at Unit 3 N08 First Street.

Ask Real Estate and Whitbread are currently preparing to submit two planning applications to Manchester City Council.

This phase of works will deliver new offices, a hotel, and residential apartments across two key sites of the First Street masterplan.

The first application will be submitted by Ask Real Estate on plot nine of the First Street Masterplan.

This development will replace the office and hotel building approved by Manchester City Council last year. The updated design proposes a larger footprint office, but lower in height than the approved building.

The second application will be submitted by Whitbread and proposes a mix of office and residential accommodation on the site of the existing Premier Inn on Medlock Street.

Both schemes are designed by Jon Matthews Architects.

John Hughes, managing director of Ask Real Estate, said: “These proposed plans will continue the transformation of this part of the city centre.

“First Street continues to thrive with a complementary mix of tenants, and this is an opportunity to grow the neighbourhood even further.

“We look forward to consulting with the public to finalise our plans for the next phase.”

Richard Pearson, senior development manager for Whitbread, added: “Working with Ask Real Estate we have the opportunity to replace an ageing Premier Inn with our latest format hotel in one of Manchester’s most exciting and popular developments.

“It’s an excellent opportunity to improve our network in the city and bring more rooms to the popular micro-location for our customers.

“I’m looking forward to talking through the plans, and what Premier Inn will bring to First Street, next Tuesday.”

The buildings will be set around generous new public spaces and improved footpaths designed by Planit-IE linking the surrounding areas with the cultural hub and open spaces already created around First Street, Tony Wilson Place, and James Grigor Square.

Ask Real Estate and Whitbread will host a consultation event and want to hear the public’s views on the emerging designs.

Both project teams will be in attendance to explain the plans, respond to any queries, and take on board comments.

There will also be an opportunity to submit comments on the plans either at the exhibition, by email, or through the website www.askrealestate.co.uk/firststreet0719-consultation which will be in operation following the exhibition.