Major scheme for iconic former uni campus
PLANS have been submitted to Manchester City Council for the redevelopment of The Toast Rack, the former Manchester Metropolitan University Hollings Campus in Followfield.
The proposals for the scheme from Generation Ltd promise to be a modern adaptation of a much-loved Manchester icon.
The planning application is for 210 one, two, three and four-bed residential units, 20,000sq ft of gym and leisure facilities, 7,000sq ft of retail including a proposed independent artisan coffee shop with associated co-working spaces for use by residents and the public.
It will be supported by a full, 24 hour concierge service and includes almost two acres of amenity space for residents.
The amenity space includes a covered winter garden with play areas for children; a rooftop garden on top of The Toast Rack building boasting uninterrupted views over Manchester; a courtyard garden, a grassed play area and other grassed relaxation areas around the site.
Generation acquired The Toast Rack building on behalf of The Home Property Group via its subsidiary company Estrela Properties in October 2014 with the aim of bringing the values and amenities offered by city centre PRS schemes to the suburbs.
Generation is The Home Property Group’s representative in the UK and is providing a turn-key solution with this development and is involved in all aspects from acquisition through to management of the completed project.
The latest public consultation took place in October 2015 and feedback from that and liaison with Manchester Modernist Society, 20th Century Society, Places Matter and Historic England helped shape the proposals that have been submitted.
Paul Butler Associates acted as planning adviser and Ollier Smurthwaite Architects designed the new-build elements within the development – the Stitching block and the Gateway building.
SixTwo Architects redesigned the existing listed buildings comprising The Toast Rack, the Horseshoe and the Drum. Joule Consulting Engineers gave structural advice.
