Mixed residential plan for former MMU campus
A PLANNING application has been submitted which will see the former Manchester Metropolitan University campus at Didsbury become a mixed residential development.
The plans for the 17-acre site follow MMU’s move to Birley Fields and will see the conversion of several listed buildings on the site into homes.
The Grade II listed main administration building will become 19 apartments and 12 houses and the Chapel – also Grade II listed – will be transformed into 10 luxury apartments.
Three smaller listed buildings – The Lodge, 801 and 803 Wilmslow Road – will be turned into three homes.
There will also be 42 new-build houses ranging in size from 1,283sq ft to 3,372sq ft with an emphasis on outside space, high quality architecture and the retention of trees.
There are also plans for a new build block of seven apartments ranging from 2,081 sqft to a four-bedroom 2,782sq ft penthouse.
The proposals include an outline application for a new primary school on the Broomhurst Hall site.
The hybrid planning application has been brought forward by Manchester-based PJ Livesey with HOW Planning acting as adviser following extensive consultation with the local community and key stakeholders as part of a regeneration framework drawn up by Manchester City Council for the site.
PJ Livesey director James Woodmansee said: “It is vitally important that we create the right kind of residential development that will not only enhance Didsbury but create a real choice for families wanting to live within Manchester.
“This is a large site with two distinctive heritage buildings and the new build homes will respect the location and provide a new level of accommodation for Didsbury.”
Meanwhile Calderpeel Architects, based at Altrincham in Cheshire, drew up the scheme.
Conor Vallelly, principal planner at HOW Planning, said:“The PJ Livesey Group are specialists in recreating heritage sites and know how to get the balance right between conservation and a more contemporary approach to bespoke new build housing.”
Harry Calder of Calderpeel said: “Calderpeel are proud to have worked closely with all the stakeholders and the local community to design and deliver high quality architecture which responds sympathetically to the locality and creates a strong sense of place.”
John Cunningham, director of finance at MMU said: “It was important to the university that redevelopment of the former campus site is of the highest quality and we are very excited by the proposals put forward.
“We believe they have enhanced and evolved the original brief and this scheme will deliver a lasting legacy to the area.”
The PJ Livesey Group was advised by law firm Slater Heelis. MMU was advised by DTZ and Addelshaw Goddard.
