JRL plans first Manchester 28 storey resi block

Different views of Sparkle Street build to rent towerLondon construction group JRL has submitted plans to build a 28-storey build-to-rent tower in Manchester.The £75m project close to Piccadilly station on Sparkle Street will provide around 360 flats and requires demolition of low rise commercial units before work can get underway.It is JRL’s first development project in Manchester and will see the group’s main contracting arm Midgard deliver the project, designed by architect SimpsonHaugh.Midgard has been operation in Manchester since 2018 and is presently delivering CDL Hospitality Trusts’ Castings scheme, which is similar in scale to the Sparkle Street project.The part 38-storey, part 10-storey building will be red-brick clad and is designed to reference the City’s Victorian mills.JRL has enlisted development manager Central & Urban as well as structural engineer Curtins and M&E consultant WECE.Main construction activities are planned to commence from 2025, with an approximate contract programme duration of 91 weeks leading to an anticipated practical completion in 2028.