Views sought on £60m office-led scheme capable of supporting 800 jobs

London-based developer Soller Group is seeking public feedback on its city centre Manchester scheme ahead of submitting a planning application next spring.

It is outlining plans to develop a prominent site on the corner of Lever Street and Great Ancoats Street.

Designed by Glenn Howells Architects, the proposed heritage-led scheme seeks to transform the existing site into a new vibrant 100,000 sq ft office-led mixed use development through a combination of sensitive retention and restoration of historic buildings and a contemporary new building set back from Lever Street.

The scheme also promotes significant economic benefits including the potential to generate 800 direct jobs in the high value, high paying sectors as well as a predicted annual GVA contribution of £60m to the Greater Manchester economy.

The development will provide a valuable boost to the city centre economy, driving footfall and boosting spend which local businesses will benefit from.

Members of the development team will be at the event, which takes place on Wednesday, November 2, between 4pm and 7pm, at Huckletree, The Express Building, 9 Great Ancoats Street.

It is intended that, following the public consultation and review of feedback, a planning application will be submitted in early spring 2023.

Soller’s CEO, Nick Treadaway, said: “We’re very much looking forward to meeting with the general public and listening to their views on our proposals.

“This is a very complex site presenting many design challenges, both from a heritage and massing point of view. It has been our priority to develop these plans sensitively and respectfully, ensuring that the end result provides a modern building which sits sympathetically within its surroundings.”