Approval recommended for two city centre 56-storey residential towers

Planning officers have recommended approval for two 56-storey residential towers in Manchester.

The city council’s planning committee will consider the application for the development, on Great Jackson Street, near the Mancunian Way, at next Thursday’s (July 29) meeting.

Hodder + Partners has created the scheme for the applicant, Great Jackson Street Estates.

The proposal is for 1,037 residential units in two 56-storey towers, with ground level town houses. There would be public and private amenity space, 236 parking spaces, 1,040 internal cycle spaces and 40 visitor cycle spaces.

Twelve representations have been made, including 11 objections to the scheme.

The site is occupied by a couple of warehouses last used for temporary public car parking, which will be demolished.

Notes to committee members say: “The site is appropriate for tall buildings and the development would be well designed and of a high quality at this important gateway site. It would fulfil an important role in providing residential accommodation within the city centre.

“Residential development would be consistent with a number of the Greater Manchester Strategy’s key growth priorities delivering housing to meet the demands of a growing economy and population, in a well-connected location within a major employment centre.”

They add: “It would, therefore, assist in the promotion of sustained economic growth within the city.

“The development would not have a significant detrimental impact on the settings of nearby listed buildings or on the character and appearance of the nearby Castlefield Conservation Area.

“The development would have an acceptable impact on residential amenity and would regenerate a site that currently has a negative impact on the area, including improving the public realm and permeability within the area.”