Plans launched to breathe new life into key Northern Quarter site
A Manchester developer has unveiled plans for Larard’s Still, in the Northern Quarter, which it says will breathe new life into the key site.
Jadebricks’ plans include 68-70 Oldham Street, which has been vacant for several years, and a warehouse on Spear Street.
The Oldham Street buildings have fallen into disrepair over the years and considerable investment is required to bring the site back to life.
The ambitious plans would provide a new aparthotel with 117 rooms and two new commercial units on the site, suitable for smaller businesses or start-ups. The proposed new use will complement the vibrant mix of businesses in the area, activate the street scene and increase footfall, encouraging pedestrians to pass through to Stevenson Square and beyond.
Plans are being drawn up by Manchester-based SimpsonHaugh architects and have been developed over the past 18-months.
The proposed design retains historic fabric of 68 and 70 Oldham Street and the existing Spear Street warehouse, and these buildings will be knitted together with modern construction which will add to the existing streetscape and surrounding area. Turley is leading on the planning application.
This approach will help to provide a sustainable development, by reusing existing buildings and making a significant contribution to Manchester’s ambition to be a zero-carbon city by 2038.
Mike Bathurst, for Jadebricks, said: “I have been working in Manchester city centre many years now and it is an honour to bring forward a scheme in this part of the fabulous, historic Northern Quarter.
“Throughout the development of our scheme, we have put particular effort into securing as much of the heritage of the existing building as we can, while also ensuring that we do so in an environmentally friendly way, and it is very satisfying that we have been able to achieve this to such a significant degree.”
Cllr Adele Douglas, Piccadilly ward councillor, said: “In these plans the developers will retain the frontage of 68 and 70 Oldham Street and provide a new, lasting purpose for the warehouse on Spear Street. The design also re-awakens some of our sadly neglected back streets, improving the area for local people.
“While there are some elements of construction to be finalised, this should be a positive contribution to the Northern Quarter. The open and co-operative approach taken by the developers over the last 18 months is much appreciated and I would urge others to follow their example.”
A public consultation launches today (July 18) with plans available to view on the consultation website https://www.larardsstillconsultation.co.uk/. A webinar and Q&A session will be held on July 25, between 6-7pm, where members of the team will be available to discuss the proposals and answer questions.
The public consultation on the plans will run until Friday, July 29.
