Great Northern office conversion set for approval
Manchester City Council is set to sign off the second iteration of a framework guiding development around Great Northern Warehouse, after the developer changed aspects of the £300m plan from residential to offices.
Developers Trilogy Real Estate and Peterson, alongside architect SimpsonHaugh and main contractor Laing O’Rourke, gained planning consent for the first phases of a comprehensive redevelopment of the site in March 2018. The first version of a strategic regeneration framework was signed off in 2016.
While 130 apartments were previously proposed for within the main warehouse, these have been replaced with 146,000 sq ft of offices.
Phase one will see increased and improved public realm, while phase two focuses on the Great Northern Warehouse itself, and will include the offices, gym, food and beverage, and retail. The space is currently used as a car park. Later phases could see high-rise residential towers and the demolition of the space currently occupied by the cinema.
According to reports to the council, the decision to deliver offices instead of residential is due to the demand for commercial space within the Civic Quarter. In addition, an office conversion apparently requires fewer construction interventions than a residential development.
There will still be 12 flats delivered along Deansgate Terrace. Alongside the public realm, these will form the first part of the project to start on site, scheduled for next year.
Manchester City Council’s executive meets on Wednesday 13 March, with the updated SRF recommended for approval.
Good , this was completely the wrong place for flats, this area should be offices, hotels and bars.
By Tor
Disagree with Tor. This would have been a thriving community. Now they are turning it into another Printworks. Very disapointing.
By Elephant
No “community” will ever be formed here, this is bang in the middle of the city centre.
By Tor
Good. I think offices work better in this location, and with this building. With a desperate shortage of office space in the City, this will be very welcome, if they actually do it.
With so many residential schemes being proposed in the City Centre, it’s important to remember its role as an employment centre. Residential can come in the later phases if needed.
By ALL
I get the point about employment but this building is too attractive for offices. This is a missed opportunity to liven this badly under utilised part of the city up.It is next to the Beetham and five minutes from Deansgate square and the Elizabeth Tower. Not sure how this is the wrong place for flats?
By Elephant
Much better idea. This lovely building will make high quality office accommodation. Wish they’s just get going on it though. Next year commencement! Probably waiting for the cinema lease to expire.
By Steve