Revised plans for First Street student block go to public consultation
Revised plans for Block C, Plot 11, of Manchester city centre’s First Street development, are going out to public consultation today (October 25).
They are being bought forward by Liverpool-based Downing Students – a family-owned company and property developer, constructor, operator and manager with more than 30 years of experience.
Having already been granted planning permission in 2021 for four new co-living buildings (Blocks A, B, C and D), ranging from 10 to 45 storeys on plot 11, First Street, Downing Students is bringing forward updated plans for Block C to reflect changing market demands.
Construction works in relation to the first two phases of development at Plot 11 – comprising Blocks A, B and D as co-living – began in March 2022, and are expected to complete late 2024/early 2025.
Subject to planning approval, it is envisaged that works in relation to the third phase of development, comprising Block C, will commence following the completion of the first two phases.
The updated proposal for Block C seeks to diversify the residential offer within First Street through the delivery of purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA), in place of the currently proposed co-living accommodation.
There is an established need for high quality PBSA across Manchester, particularly in accessible locations such as First Street – it is in close proximity to the University of Manchester and Manchester Metropolitan University Campuses, public transport linkages as well as key services and amenities located within the city centre.
In addition to contributing to an identified need for PBSA, the revised proposal for Block C has also enabled Downing Students to make improvements to the public realm offering that will be delivered as part of the wider plans for Plot 11.
The new plan includes a larger public park, which has allowed for an increased number of trees to be planted, improved pedestrian and cycle routes and a net increase in Biodiversity Net Gain.
The updated proposal would complete the development of Plot 11 and help to fulfil long standing regeneration ambitions for First Street.
Ian Harrison, projects director at Downing, said: “In light of the significant increase in the demand for PBSA in Manchester city centre, we hope that the development will not only contribute towards meeting this need, but also diversify the residential offer at First Street and help to solidify its status as one of the city’s most successful regeneration stories.”
Detailed information on the updated proposal for Plot 11, First Street, is provided on a dedicated consultation website (www.firststreet-plot11.com), where feedback on the plans can be submitted until Sunday, November 12, 2023. As part of the consultation, a public drop-in session will be held on Wednesday, November 1, 2023, between 4pm and 7pm.
