Manchester New Square tops out

Contractor Lendlease has reached the highest point of construction at Urban & Civic’s residential development at the junction of Whitworth Street and Princess Street.

At a topping-out ceremony on Friday, guests gathered on the roof of the Carding building, one of three residential buildings within the 351-apartment development. The scheme is being funded by Greater Manchester Pension Fund and Greater Manchester Housing Fund.

Philip Leech, property director at Urban&Civic, said: “This is a major milestone for the project, which is due for completion in the autumn of 2020. We are delighted with the quality of the workmanship from Lendlease and the way the buildings fit harmoniously within their surroundings.

“We will soon be able to announce the names of some of the restaurants and retailers on the ground floors as well as the details of the residents’ wellness centre. The quality of the development and its prime location has been endorsed by the high level of reservations we have received to date.”

Cllr Brenda Warrington, chair of the Greater Manchester Pension Fund, added, “We are delighted to be working alongside such a well-respected developer and to have reached this landmark stage in the project. I’m proud the Greater Manchester Pension Fund is willing to invest in the construction of this development, whilst securing a good return for our members’ pensions.”

Manchester New Square comprises three individually designed 12-15 storey buildings, set around a landscaped square.

The site was acquired by Urban & Civic in 2014, having previously been brought forward by Donal Mulryan’s West Properties under the Origin brand. Along with the Renaissance hotel site on Deansgate, also now owned by Urban & Civic, it was put up for sale by NAMA in 2011.

CGI of the completed scheme