£154m residential scheme will create 485 homes

Cheshire’s Select Property Group has submitted a planning application for a new build-to-rent residential development on the corner of Great Ancoats Street and Port Street, with a value of £154m.

The development is aimed at transforming the site, currently a surface car park, into a successful residential community which will make a positive addition to this thriving part of Manchester city centre.

Alongside plans for 485 homes, the development will provide extensive public realm and new frontages along Great Ancoats Street and Port Street, playing a key role in connecting the Piccadilly Basin and Ancoats neighbourhoods and enhancing the streetscape.

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

The plans have been designed to deliver on the vision and development principles envisaged by Manchester City Council in the Piccadilly Basin Strategic Regeneration Framework and have been developed in response to extensive consultation throughout 2021.

Designed by SimpsonHaugh, they include a 34-storey tower which is set back into the site in sensitivity to the surrounding heritage buildings and neighbouring residential properties. An adjacent podium block, which steps up from seven to 11 storeys, will provide a frontage to Great Ancoats Street and Port Street which is similar in height with other surrounding buildings.

The apartments will be a mix of one-, two-, and three-beds and will come with large welcoming hub spaces complete with lounge areas, co-working spaces, cinema rooms and residents’ gym.

Select originally unveiled plans for the site last October, which proposed a 31-storey tower, creating 449 apartments and retail space.

Adam Price, CEO at Select Property Group, said: “Working with a very talented local design team, we have taken our time to shape these proposals and ensure we deliver an ambitious, yet sensitive, scheme which makes a positive contribution to the city. This development will provide exceptional quality new homes in a sustainable city centre location, with our new residents adding further energy to this thriving part of Manchester.”

Subject to planning, construction could get under way in summer 2022.

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