TAKE That star Jason Orange has joined a campaign to block plans for a vast `Star Trek' apartment complex in a historic corner of Manchester.
Peel Holdings, owner of the Trafford Centre, want to build 118 apartments in the heart of the Castlefield basin conservation area.
Jason and Radio 2 presenter Mike Harding, are among 133 people, including local residents, who have formally objected to the scheme.
Peel has submitted a plan to demolish the boarded-up Jackson's Wharf pub in Blantyre Street and build a seven-storey block, with basement car parking - two storeys higher than some surrounding buildings.
Labour party city centre campaigners Anthony McCaul and Coun Pat Karney have been lobbied by residents and are calling for Peel to drop the plan for `space-age apartments'.
Mr McCaul said: "The development is totally out of keeping with the character of Castlefield. This area is one of the jewels in Manchester's crown - with rich industrial heritage.
"This proposal - more in keeping with something out of Star Trek - is unacceptable.
"I'm calling on the council to turn down this application and want Peel to engage constructively with residents about the site."
Coun Karney said: "The council should reject this proposal and Peel should go back to the drawing board - it would destroy the character of Castlefield. It is a very important area."
Ed Burrows, senior development Manager at Peel, said: "The proposals have been designed by internationally acclaimed Ian Simpson Architects.
"We are surprised at the reaction by Anthony McCaul and Coun Pat Karney as Peel and the architects have met residents on several occasions to discuss plans for the site.
"We believe that, though contemporary, the building will complement the industrial heritage of the Castlefield area."
The proposal will be put to the city planning committee on November 22.
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Take That star's flats protest
November 14, 2007
An impression of the proposed Jacksons Wharf development
Showing comments 1 to 7 and replies | View All
Octavius Tinsworth Ace (14/11/2007 at 09:59)
Kev P, Manchester city centre (14/11/2007 at 12:26)
fraser, manchester (14/11/2007 at 14:14)
Beaufort (14/11/2007 at 14:44)
The problem residents have in Castlefield is that this proposed building is not in keeping with the other building sin the area and is far too big. If you look at the artists impression, immediately just behind the white bridge an apartment block of approx. 14 storeys is also propsed. Next to Quay Bar two big towers are going up soon. If you walk through Castlefiel;d now it is a haven away from the city. Walking along the towpath from Deansgate it is peaceful around the Canal Basin and the area has charm and is historic.
These three buildings will ruin all of that and will take away the reasons that many of us first moved to Castlefield for.
If you look at the building on the left of the picture, this converted warehouse is fine and is part of the area, why can't they build this redevelopment in the same style? Instead it is a big modern monstrosity. These have tehre place i.e. No 1 Deansagte, Spinningfields etc but why can't architects design places that are in keeping with their surrounds where necesary?
There is also a big dvelopment at Potato Wharf too. I and many other residents are moving out because this overdevelopment is and has ruined the area. Any spare bit of land is built on and I guess money talks and the residemst get ignored.
DOOBYDO (14/11/2007 at 14:57)
ace, manchester (15/11/2007 at 12:13)
mylifeinthemafia (15/11/2007 at 13:35)