Councillors set to back 32-storey Manchester scheme

A 32-storey mixed-use tower – comprising more than 600 apartments as well as retail and restaurant space – could be built in Manchester city centre with the proposals recommended for approval.Unite Students is behind the New Wakefield Street application, with the company already present in the city through its Chester Street, Kincardine Court, Parkway Gateway, Piccadilly Point and Cavendish Place schemes.Permission is sought for a huge building accommodating 603 student apartments within The Corridor Manchester area. These would be across 77 flats in clusters of between five and ten beds, along with 60 studios. All would be en-suite, while communal spaces would be provided for social activities and study.Also proposed is 2,500 sq ft of commercial floorspace in the ground and first floors which could be used as retail space or a restaurant and bar.Unite is intent on commencing work at the site in 2018, with the building to be fully operational by the start of the academic year in September 2020.Approval has been recommended