Topping out marked at Manchester build to rent site
A 13-storey build to rent development in Manchester’s New Cross has reached its highest point of construction.
A topping out ceremony at the Bendix Street site signalled the achievement by GMI Construction Group (GMI) and Europa, a pioneer in pan-European real estate investment.
The scheme will comprise 161 apartments within a 139,700 sq ft development, and is being delivered by GMI for Mulbury Homes. Europa entered into a forward-funding arrangement for the project in October 2021, on behalf of its clients.
Bendix Street forms part of a wider regeneration project in the New Cross area, which sits next to the NOMA district in the north of Manchester city centre.
The development features communal lounges, an extensive roof terrace, ground floor amenity space and 166 cycle spaces, along with apartments ranging in size from one to three bedrooms. Tim Groom Architects has designed the building.
Topping out is a traditional, centuries-old ceremony held when the highest point of construction is reached on a building project. Key representatives from GMI, Europa, Mulbury, Russell Bolton consulting and the wider project team were present at the event to mark this project milestone.
GMI is also delivering 144 apartments for Mulbury on a nearby site on Oldham Road as regeneration in the area gathers pace.
Marc Banks, GMI managing director for the North West, said: “It’s been a pleasure to welcome our guests to Bendix Street for the topping out of this building, which will be a striking new addition to what is rapidly becoming one of Manchester’s most exciting areas. We’re looking forward to pressing on with completing the scheme and handing the building over in early 2024.”
Rachel Hanke, fund manager at Europa, said: “The topping out of Bendix Street brings us one step closer to delivering new housing in Manchester.
“The city faces an acute shortage of housing supply and New Cross is emerging as an exciting new neighbourhood close to the city centre. We continue to progress the scheme to completion, working closely with GMI and Mulbury Homes.”
