PLANS have been drawn up for a new 16-storey tower in the Northern Quarter of Manchester.
Architects Hodder Associates have spent two years working on plans for the corner of Great Ancoats Street, Swan Street and Oldham Road - and now they are almost ready to have them formally registered by the council.
The site and its derelict buildings is owned by a mystery London developer.
If the new plans are put forward and approved, it will be turned into 95 flats and ground-level shops.
Hodder's design would feature a 16-floor tower on the Ancoats side of the development. The back and sides of the tower would be shorter - with part of it just three storeys and a third section rising to five.
The firm has held early consultations with residents of the nearby Smithfield estate and has spoken to English Heritage.
It says people's views are being taken into account - and details such as car parking and refuse collection points have been altered as a result.
The proposals have been lodged with Manchester city council but have yet to be formally registered.
Unique
Principle architect Stephen Hodder said: "This is not just a slab tower block - it would be more complicated than that.
"I like to think we are sensitive architects and that we recognise the unique qualities of the Northern Quarter.
"To try to allay residents' concerns, we did a sun-path analysis to see whether the tower would cast a shadow.
"It would fall on the other side from the estate, and the flats there would not be overlooked by anyone.
"At the moment, this site is an eyesore, but we want to turn it into something which is commercially successful and worthy of an important route into Manchester."
Views
But neighbours in Smithfield have mixed views. One, Carolyn Merrick, said: "From what I have heard, and the images I have seen, it sounds like this building would be out of keeping with the area.
"The Northern Quarter is creative and bohemian, but this isn't a sympathetic design.
"There are a lot of flats around here already, and now they want more. There are enough empty shops already. I just can't see how it will work."
Pat Glazebrook, secretary of Smithfield Residents Association, also said there were concerns about the development.
What do you think of the plans? Have your say below.
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J. Arthur (17/08/2007 at 07:47)
Also why are we encouraging more people to live in the city if it is already congested? Most city properties are in negative equity because of the saturation anyway. On planning onbjections residents can't mention property (de)valus as a concern.
Talking of congestion, is the council going to ban the Mardi Gras Parade. There are about seventy lorries crawling along at a very slow speed belching out pollution. Not too mention the traffic snarl ups it creates. Can't all the Gay Paraders use buses?
Urbano, Manchester (17/08/2007 at 08:15)
Trudy, Bolton (17/08/2007 at 09:02)
J. Arthur (17/08/2007 at 09:15)
Paul, Manchester (17/08/2007 at 12:10)
Dan Bulley (17/08/2007 at 13:10)
i am not sure high rise developments are particually in keeping with the northern quarter and you cannot keep building apartments without the necessaqry amenities.
One such, but important example of this is the complete lack of green and open space in the city centre; picadilly 'gardens' is thge only reasonably sized bit of open space, but isnt particually green and isnt particually pleasant. I believe the council should buy surface car parks (i.e. Auyton street and behind portland tower) and turn these into parkland (esp. if the congestion charge is coming into place, as then we shouldnt need as many car parks). the china town car park is also another good example
Andrew, Manchester (17/08/2007 at 13:26)
Andrew, Manchester (17/08/2007 at 13:33)
Pamster, Salford (17/08/2007 at 13:47)
All said and done - doesnt matter what we say - the local authority will give the developers the green light anyway because its all about money at the end of the day. Speaking from personal experience, the authorities and MP's dont care as they are getting back handers and normally live in the green, leafy suburbs with nice big gardens.... 'Nuff said' !
Jane Bourne, Salford (17/08/2007 at 13:47)
David, Manchester (18/08/2007 at 16:12)
ace, manchester (19/08/2007 at 22:12)
Dan Bulley (20/08/2007 at 12:31)
In just a quick mention about the parks&car parks idea - an idea would be to purchase a large surface car park and then construct an underground car park (say 3 or 4 levels); this would then leave the surface free for parkland and the council would make a profit from the car parking charges (which would also cover the cost of maintaining the park).
however, i am sure that this would be quite expensive in the short term (but would make money in the long term)
John Cooney (20/08/2007 at 23:35)
get it built soon as poss