Approval lined up for 56-storey skyscrapers

Plans to build a pair of 56-storey skyscrapers in Manchester city centre, in a development likely to yield a sizeable economic boost, look set to move ahead next week.Hodder + Partners drew up the plans for the application on behalf of Great Jackson St Estates Ltd, with submission taking place earlier this year.Earmarked for a site bounded by Jackson Street, Garwood Street and Mancunian Way, two buildings comprising 1,037 apartments are proposed.The West tower would accommodate 177 one-bed, 305 two-bed and 35 three-bed units, as well as commercial space, which would create jobs.The makeup of the East tower would be much the same but with an additional trio of three-bed apartments and no commercial space.Concierges would operate in the main reception of both buildings, with double height entrances also linked to communal amenity spaces at the first floor.The typical layout would be ten apartments per floor from levels 8-33 and nine per floor from levels 34-52. The largest would be positioned on the corners to take advantage of the dual aspects, as well as views of Manchester city centre and across Hulme Park.A total of 236 car parking spaces are also lined up, alongside 1,040 cycle spaces.Approval has been recommended.Subject to obtaining the necessary consents, it is anticipated that demolition would commence in early 2021, with completion targeted for 2025.