New neighbour lined up for the Mackie Mayor

More than 100 apartments could soon be created at a prominent site overlooking the Mackie Mayor, the landmark 19th century building in Manchester’s Northern Quarter, under newly submitted plans.Highland Property Management has submitted a full planning application to Manchester City Council seeking permission for a major residential scheme on a 0.3-acre plot bounded by Swan Street, Mason Street, Cable Street and Cross Keys Street in Ancoats.It wants to demolish the existing buildings onsite and construct a new residential block featuring 28 one-bed and 75 two-bed apartments. There would also be 6,135 sq ft of ground-floor commercial space and 34 basement parking spots.The proposed development would be directly opposite the grade II-listed Smithfield Market Hall, better known as the Mackie Mayor. The team behind Altrincham’s award-winning Market House is currently working with Muse Developments to transform the Swan Street landmark, which dates back to the mid-19th century, into a new food hall.The Hodder + Partners-designed apartment scheme would be six storeys tall fronting the Mackie Mayor, rising to eight storeys at its highest point. Its main entrance would be located off Swan Street leading directly into a manned reception area.The council has not yet set a date to consider the application.