Clarion enlarges Boddingtons scheme on building regs
Proposals for a taller, denser development on Manchester’s Great Ducie Street have been tabled to bring the project in line with proposed changes to fire safety standards while keeping it viable.
Latimer, Clarion Housing Association’s development arm, plans to deliver 44 more apartments and three more storeys in total than the original iteration of the scheme – approved in March 2022. This expansion is designed to offset the space lost through the introduction of second staircases.
The initial version of the scheme featured 461 apartments across two blocks, one reaching 27 storeys and the other topping out at 11 storeys.
The 2023 iteration proposes 505 apartments across buildings reaching 29 and 12 storeys on part of the former Boddingtons Brewery site.
Latimer’s updated project features revised internal layouts so that both buildings have two stair cores.
While not yet mandatory, second staircases in buildings above 18 metres are expected to become a legal requirement.
Enabling work is underway, with Graham Construction lined up to build the scheme, designed by Assael Architecture.
Clarion has previously stated it is “firmly committed” to delivering 60% affordable provision on the site. This has not changed under the updated plans, which propose that 303 of the apartments will be available on affordable tenures including shared ownership.
The cost of delivering the scheme has risen significantly since the original planning application was lodged in late 2021.
According to viability reports submitted with both the old and new applications, the cost of building the project has risen from £79.7m to £105.2m.
This equates to an increase from £190/sq ft to £231.89/sq ft.
The gross development value of the scheme has also increased significantly from £127.2m to £161.6m, according to the reports.
To learn more about the scheme, search for planning reference number 137941/FO/2023 on Manchester City Council’s planning portal.
The entire Strangeways area needs a masterplan/strategic framework that focuses on delivering a beautiful, contextual, mix-use, walkable neighborhood with lots of character with mandatory Design Codes to ensure compliance and consistency, there are plenty of warehouses that could do with retaining and repurposing an existing street pattern, less emphasis on ‘skyscrapers’ and more creating good places.
By Anonymous
Why are there no balconies in this scheme?
By Balcony watch
Would love to see that 25 yr plan for the strangeways, cheetham hill area when it’s developed. Hope they do get to move the prison. This will be on the scale of Victoria gateway when it gets the go ahead.
By Anonymous
Prime city centre site and the tallest block is 27 storeys. Shambles!
By Giant Skyscraper Fan
There is a Strategic Regeneration Framework for the area commissioned by MCC and produced by Simpson. Any building of merit in the area should be retained whether listed or not. I would keep the traditional street layout where possible and use the prison as a backdrop feature rather than requesting it’s departure. I do hope that the land holders and wholesalers get some input and accommodated or appropriate relocation deals.
By The man who builds cities