First phase of Mayfield project set for green light

The £1.4bn transformation of Mayfield into a mixed-use neighbourhood looks set to take a significant step forward next week with approval lined up for the first two phases of work.Two applications are set to be considered by Manchester City Council’s planning committee at the same, with the first proposing a 70,000 sq ft office building comprising a host of uses on the ground floor, including a restaurant and bar.Central to this part of the application is Mayfield Park, which would be the city centre’s first such public asset of its kind in more than 100 years. It would cover six acres and include seating/steps with a capacity of 500 people, a riverside walkway, a wetland boardwalk and play areas.The plot would also comprise a 581-space multi-storey car park.The second application is for a 13-storey office building at the heart of the development.Designed by Morris + Company, the 315,000 sq ft scheme would be known as The Republic and comprise landscaped roof terraces and views of the park.A report to Manchester City Council’s planning committee – which will meet on Thursday 13 February – noted that officers have worked with the applicant “in a positive and pro-active manner to seek solutions to problems arising in relation to dealing with the planning application”.Approval has been recommended for both.The wider Mayfield regeneration is set to comprise 1,500 homes, 810,000 sq ft of office space, a 650-bedroom hotel, as well as retail and leisure space. It is envisaged that the project will create more than 7,500 office, retail, leisure and construction jobs.The Mayfield Partnership – which comprises U+I, LCR, Manchester City Council and Transport for Greater Manchester – hopes to create the community over the next ten to 15 years. New images of the scheme were revealed last month.