New 800-home application replaces earlier consented plan which had significantly more commercial space
Plans for a revised mixed-use scheme in Manchester have been sent in to local planners following a rethink by the developer.
The original scheme for the redevelopment of Albert Bridge House, drawn up by architect Studio Egret West and which was given a resolution to grant planning two years ago, had proposed a development of just over 1 million sq ft of commercial space along with 350 build-to-rent homes.
But developer Oval Real Estate has since had a rethink because “the financial landscape has shifted significantly”. It added: “As such, our new proposals have been developed in response to this challenge and to better align with current market needs and community priorities.”
In a LinkedIn post, Studio Egret West added: “While the earlier design featured a single residential tower and an expansive commercial office block, changing economic conditions have necessitated a rethinking of its scale and delivery strategy.”
The new plan has more than doubled the number of build-to-rent homes to around 800 across two blocks of 49 and 37 storeys.
The commercial space has been pared back to around 250,000 sq ft across a 17-stroey block.
The 1.2 ha site includes a vacant 1950s office building formerly occupied by HMRC, a surface-level car park and the adjacent Albert Bridge Gardens
Across the site, new public realm is proposed, including an expanded riverside walk, new play areas and an “urban arboretum” that incorporates existing mature trees on the plot.
Studio Egret West is acting as architect, landscape architect and principal designer for the scheme, while others working on the scheme include planning consultant Deloitte, QS Cumming Group, structural and civil engineer AKT II and M&E engineer Hoare Lea.
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