Plans in for student tower scheme at gateway site
25/5/23
Plans have been lodged for a major student accommodation scheme in central Manchester featuring three interlinked towers rising to 27 storeys.
Acting on behalf of iQ Student Accommodation, Turley has lodged the plans for a site located close to Piccadilly Station and the Gay Village, and within walking distance of the University of Manchester's North and South campuses, as well as Manchester Metropolitan University's All Saints and Birley campuses.
The land in question is bounded by Granby Row, Echo Street, the Manchester South Junction and Altrincham railway viaduct, and an area of open space known as Vimto Park.
In 2018, planning permission was granted for demolition of the existing student accommodation buildings known as Chandos House and the development of a mixed-use co-living and purpose built student accommodation development.
The revised scheme proposes to replace the development previously authorised by Manchester City Council, which has the benefit of extant planning permission.
This previous scheme, valued at £100m, provided 242 student bedrooms and 642 co-living bedrooms, aimed at students and young professionals.
Construction on the cleared site began in late 2019 and stopped in May 2020 due to the Covid 19 pandemic. IQ subsequently revisited its proposals in response to demand for student accommodation in the city centre.
In newly submitted plans, a development incorporating towers of 27, 21 and 16 storeys is envisaged.
Under the new proposals, the scheme would include 1,224 beds, all of which would be PBSA, including 20 per cent being provided as affordable rooms.
The majority of the previous scheme's principles in massing, aesthetics and public realm interactions are maintained.
In particular, the development still comprises the visual aesthetic of three blocks stepping up in height towards Piccadilly Station, joined together by two intermediate linking blocks at lower heights.
Red brick cladding is proposed in a contemporary façade design influenced by the heritage properties of the surrounding area.
Matthew Loughlin, chief development officer at iQ, said: "We have submitted our updated proposal for Echo Street to provide a modern, safe, high-quality and fully purpose-built student accommodation scheme and we now await consideration of our plans and determination by Manchester City Council in the months ahead.
"Echo Street is an ideal location for student accommodation, helping to address Manchester's undersupply of student beds, supporting the city's vision to continue to be a world-class education hub. Our proposed scheme provides a mix of accommodation types that cater for a range of needs and budgets."
Professionals working on the scheme include Sheppard Robson, Waterman, Apex, Cumming, Vectos, Curtins, Planit IE, OFR and Manalo & White.
Original source: https://www.insidermedia.com