Blueprint for 11-storey scheme in trendy quarter of city
A 160-year old building in Manchester’s Northern Quarter looks set to be partially restored as part an 11-storey development including three ground floor commercial units and apartments.
The company Red Lion Street has tabled a bid for full planning consent to Manchester City Council for the site bounded by Red Lion Street to the east, Union Street to the west, Church Street to the south and the Abel Heywood pub on Turner Street in North.
The land opposite the NCP multi-storey car park is close to Manchester Buddhist Centre and the Solita restaurant.
The site currently includes the former Bull’s Head pub – derelict for the last five years after being damaged by fire – at 2 Union Street and disused land behind.
The scheme includes three ground-floor units offering 2,153sq ft of commercial space targeted at independents, three one-bed apartments, 28 two-bedroom apartments, and seven three-bed apartments, along with an external courtyard.
Also included are two duplex apartments behind the retained and restored façade of the former Bull’s Head pub.
The proposed scheme would be part-five, part-eight and part-11 storeys high.
The current application follows a similar one submitted in February including buildings seven and 10 stores in height incorporating 40 apartments and ground floor commercial space. It was scrapped following objections from nearby residents.
Neil Collins Homes Architect in a design and access statement in the latest application the new proposal was a more progressive scheme, which responds more sensitively than its predecessor submitted in February.
The new scheme features fewer apartments, an external courtyard, and lower building heights in parts.
A supporting statement by planning consultant Paul Butler Associates said: “The scheme will provide a contemporary design response for the site, which seeks to preserve the special interest of the building at 2 Union Street.
“The scale and massing of the development is wholly appropriate in terms of context and will make efficient use of a longstanding vacant site, which visually depreciates the character of the surrounding area.
“The provision of an active ground-floor use will be complementary to the variety of uses which exist in the locality and will assist in sustaining and enhancing the public realm allowing the Northern Quarter to remain a safe, vibrant and sustainable community in the heart of the city centre.”
