Avison Young secures planning for landmark Manchester residential scheme

Manchester City Council has resolved to grant planning permission for a historic landmark new residential development at Swan House in Manchester City Centre.The planning application, which was submitted by Avison Young’s Manchester planning team on behalf of Cable Swan Ltd – a joint venture between Sir Robert McAlpine, Britannia Group, Prime Developers, and Foundation Real Estate – will see 373 new homes, 12 serviced apartments and ground floor commercial units delivered across buildings of 31 and 13 storeys.The residential proposals, designed by leading Manchester architects SimpsonHaugh, have been specifically designed for the private rented sector, and contain a raft of amenities proposed on site for the new residents, including a resident’s lounge, library/business suite, gym, a laundrette, dining rooms, and an outdoor roof terrace. In a first for Manchester City Centre, five per cent of the units will be made available on-site at an affordable private rent, with these units being tenure blind, pepper potted throughout the development, free from service charge, and specifically marketed to key workers in Manchester. This was warmly received by both planning officers and Members at the Council. The development will contribute to Manchester’s continued growth objectives by accommodating up to 678 new residents and supporting over 700 construction jobs. The striking red brick and glass proposals will complement the existing and emerging tall buildings within this part of the city, as well as creating new public realm within a new square that includes street trees and a green wall at the corner of Swan House and Rochdale Road. A new pedestrian crossing will also be put in place on Swan Street to connect New Cross to the Northern Quarter.