February start for Swan Street tower

Contractor RG Group has been appointed to build the 31-storey Manchester residential scheme on behalf of investor Ridgeback Group, which has bought the site from Cable Swan, a joint venture between Sir Robert McAlpine, Britannia Group, Prime Developers and Foundation Real Estate. 

Manchester City Council granted planning approval to Cable Swan in October 2019 to demolish existing buildings on the site including industrial units bordering Cable Street, and to construct a 358-apartment complex. 

However, the JV has since sold the site to build-to-rent developer and investor Ridgeback for an undisclosed sum. 

London-based Ridgeback, which has a portfolio of more than 1,750 properties across the country, according to its website, intends to use the existing planning consent rather than reapply to develop a different scheme. 

The existing 360,000 sq ft project, designed by architect SimpsonHaugh and located opposite Moda’s Angel Gardens on Rochdale Road, is to comprise a 31-storey tower and 13-storey block, joined by a five-storey link building. 

The development will comprise: 

• 125 one-bedroom apartments 
• 146 two-bedroom apartments  
• 87 three-bedroom apartments 

The project team includes Avison Young as the planning consultant, Curtins as the structural engineer, Gardiner & Theobald as the cost consultant and Open as the landscape architect. Faithful & Gould is the principal designer. 

Kent-based RG Group aims to start demolition work in February, according to a construction management plan lodged with Manchester City Council.