Green light for Manchester’s Trinity Island scheme
A flagship scheme to build nearly 2,000 homes across four towers in Manchester city centre have been given the green light.
Manchester City Council planners approved an application by Renaker for its Trinity Island scheme alongside the River Irwell.
The SimpsonHaugh-designed towers are divided between two 2.2-acre plots, which together are bounded by the River Irwell, Liverpool Road, Water Street and Regent Road.
The scheme will create 1,950 homes and 361 sqm of commercial space across four buildings ranging between 39, 48, 55 and 60 storeys with car parking, public realm and landscaping.
The plans will also see the creation of three acres of public realm and the planting of 149 additional trees which will serve to enhance the biodiversity.
The project would result in £494m of investment, £10.3m of which would be for new public realm.
More than 4,000 construction jobs would be created over the nine year construction programme, with 9,400 in supply chains.
A spokesperson for Renaker told the planning committee the scheme represents “a unique opportunity” to deliver the council’s long term strategic vision for “disconnected Island sites.”
He said: “The proposals will deliver high quality new homes that will underpin the growth of a new sustainable and well-connected residential community within the city centre.
“A key part of the proposals is the design quality, which delivers both elegant and efficient build forms and results in 62% of the site being used for public realm.
“That’s over one hectare in size equivalent to twice the size of cathedral gardens.
“This represents one of the largest areas of city centre public realm ever delivered by a single developer in Manchester.”
He added: “Key features will be the delivery of a riverside walkway to connect the sites with the ongoing regeneration at St. John’s, as well as highways pedestrian and cycling enhancements along Trinity way and Water Street.
As detailed within the committee report the proposals result in significant economic benefits for the wider economy throughout the construction and operation of the scheme. In particular, the proposals will generate large numbers of new jobs throughout the construction period.
“And as a Manchester based developer Rennaker is committed to providing employment opportunities for local labour as well as the substantial investment into the public realm.”
Renaker aims to begin construction on the site in March.
