£1bn masterplan for Granada site
ALLIED LONDON has fleshed out its proposals for the former ITV Granada site in a £1bn mixed-use masterplan that will be considered by Manchester City Council this week.
The redevelopment of the 13-acre area off Quay Street – rebranded the St John’s Quarter – could start early next year and will continue in phases until 2021-22, according to a document prepared ahead of the meeting.
The developer has already consulted with the public over its plans which include a mix of tall residential blocks along the River Irwell with smaller five to six-storey buildings set out along narrow streets that it’s envisaged will house start-ups and other independent businesses such as micro-brewers and bakers.
The Coronation Street set will make way for housing but a number of ITV buildings will be retained including: the office and studios block which will become a hotel called the Manchester Grande; the bonded warehouse, and a small building at the Coronation Street set entrance which could become a cultural centre reflecting the site’s past. The neighbouring “Granada Gardens” will also be preserved.
According to the masterplan, the development will have:
* Some 4m sq ft of new and refurbished mixed-use space.
* 2,500-3,000 residential units. Of these 500 will be run on the private rented sector model.
* 600,00 sq ft of workspace, including the 80,000 sq ft bonded warehouse.
* 400,000 sq ft of leisure space.
* Two hotels – The Manchester Grande and a “corporate 4-star offer”.
* Two to three dedicated arts buildings.
The council said: “There is a significant opportunity to create a unique new city centre neighbourhood, which establishes a community of creativity, culture and innovation where people can live, work and experience the best of the city.”
Michael Ingall, Allied London’s chief executive, said: “Our plans have been developed to open up a key part of the city that has largely been cut off to the public for decades.
“It’s an exciting opportunity for the Manchester: for the families that want to live in the city, the exciting start-up tech and digital businesses starting to flourish, with Manchester voted top of the start–up cities index, and change the balance of the economy and the visitors, who want a unique base to enjoy and share in the city’s culture and heritage.”
