Thumbs up for £26m development at former MMU campus
WORK will start in autumn on the former MMU campus in Didsbury following Manchester City Council’s approval of development plans for the 17 acre site.
The PJ Livesey Group will now convert the landmark Administration Building and the Chapel into a mix of houses and apartments and build 42 three, four and five bedroom family homes in the grounds and seven apartments in a new build block.
The £26m project will provide 350 construction jobs with a commitment to employing local labour.
The application also provides for a new primary school on the opposite side of Wilmslow Road.
PJ Livesey managing director Peter Livesey said: “This is one of the most exciting schemes we have ever undertaken and it will be a landmark development for us and for the city.
“I was delighted to be in the council chamber when planning was granted and hear the words of support and the faith the city has that we will deliver an exemplar scheme.
“It has also been an enjoyable process working with people and groups who share the same values of quality and heritage that we promote.”
Local ward councillor Andrew Simcock said: “I am delighted with what has come to pass on this site – 93 new properties, 420 new school places, improved tennis facilities and benefits to Didsbury Park.
“It will provide housing, education and leisure for new workers coming to the area and I wholeheartedly recommend it.”
The development will provide a mix of new homes from large apartments to converted town houses with roof terraces to five bedroom detached houses with hobby rooms and large gardens.
In total there will be 44 conversion properties and 49 new build.
The PJ Livesey Group says buyer interest in the site is already intense but the first properties will not be released for sale until next year.
Peter Livesey said: “It is our belief that we should only commence sales when people can see what they are actually buying and the quality of the homes we build.
“We will be using the existing lodge building on Wilmslow Road as an information centre so people can understand the site and what is being created.
“Our intention is to start work as soon as possible and we will have to hoard the site for safety and security as we commence demolition of the more recent buildings but intend to be as sensitive as possible given the village location.”
The PJ Livesey Group was advised by How Planning, Calder Peel Architects, Ryder Landscaping and law firm Slater Heelis.
