Plans unveiled for last undeveloped site on Great Ancoats Street

Select Property Group has unveiled proposals for a new build-to-rent development, located on the corner of Great Ancoats Street and Port Street, and is seeking views from the locals prior to submitting a planning application.

The development will provide 449 apartments within a 31-storey tower, alongside an adjacent podium block – which steps up from seven to 11 storeys – providing retail space along the frontages of Great Ancoats Street and Port Street.

The development will be managed and operated by Affinity Living, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Alderley Edge-based Select Property Group, which already manages and operates four successful developments in Manchester.

Affinity Living says it offers friendly and fun city centre living that creates communities thanks to events and amenities designed to bring neighbours together.

Designed by SimpsonHaugh, the development will transform the site, currently used as a surface car park, to enhance the streetscape along Great Ancoats Street and Port Street and create an attractive new link between Piccadilly Basin and Ancoats.

The proposals have been designed to respond directly to the design principles set out in the Piccadilly Basin Strategic Regeneration Framework.

The apartments will be a mix of one-, two- and three-beds and will come with the range of amenities that Affinity Living properties are known for – large welcoming hub spaces complete with lounge areas, co-working spaces, cinema rooms and residents’ gym.

Historically, the site included an arm of the Rochdale Canal as well as a wharf, so the scheme’s landscape proposals intend to integrate historic representation into the design of the spaces, which include a courtyard and new landscaped connections through the site.

Adam Price, Select Property Group chief executive, said: “We’re delighted to be unveiling our plans for a new Affinity Living development in this thriving part of Manchester city centre. Our plans will breathe new life into this under-utilised site and complete the transformation of Great Ancoats Street.

“We want to understand how our plans can contribute to wider neighbourhood priorities and we’re looking forward to receiving feedback from local residents and businesses during our consultation.”

The online consultation can be viewed at https://www.port-street.co.uk/ with comments requested by October 27.

In addition to SimpsonHaugh, the project team includes Deloitte as planning consultant, re-form landscape architects and Stephen Levrant Heritage Architecture.