Local developers Forshaw Group and ‘regeneration specialists’ Peel Waters have revealed plans to transform the empty bit of land next to the Cornbrook tram stop into a high-quality, mixed-use residential scheme.
The currently vacant brownfield site located between Cornbrook station and the VOX Manchester apartment complex has sat unused for a number of years, but with numerous plots being regenerated in and around the Castlefield area, the Bolton-based company have seen some potential.
Forshaw Land & Property have this week submitted plans to Manchester City Council to redevelop the area into a 24-storey development consisting of 224 one, two, three-bed and even four-bed penthouse apartments and hotel rooms.
In an effort to knit into the local community, the proposals also include other new amenities, including an independent coffee bar and co-working spaces, as well as a gym, yoga studio and private dining room for prospective residents.
The first CGIs of the proposed Cornbrook regeneration plans have now been shared. (Credit: Forshaw Group)
Folding into Peel‘s ongoing Manchester Waters project, which has already seen a number of new waterside buildings erected on Pomona Island, leading up to Salford Quays and back towards the city centre, the one-acre plot has seen locals Leach Rhodes Walker appointed as the lead architects.
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Set to take design influence for the development from the historical industrial context of the site, they say the proposed plans will turn this land into a “high-quality gateway building” and serve as an “arrival point into the City… whilst complementing the other new buildings close to the site.”
The Forshaw Group’s Managing Director, Lyndon Forshaw, said: “I’m really excited by our proposals for this hugely important gateway site that delivers on the ambitions of the Cornbrook Regeneration Framework.
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“The development will mark the entrance to Manchester city centre providing much-needed new homes along with a brand-new upmarket hotel. This will be our largest residential-led scheme to date and deliver the first hotel of our new prestigious brand Vivere Aparthotels.”
The CGIs for the currently derelict land look promising and it only bodes well for the Metrolink station itself.
As for Peel Waters, whose presence in Manchester is continuing to grow, Executive Director James Whittaker added: “We’re really pleased to be working in partnership with Forshaw Group to bring forward an opportunity to create needed high-quality housing, places to stay and amenity space to the area.
“The proposed plans by Forshaw Group complement our vision for the wider Manchester Waters neighbourhood which will transform the site into a sustainable, mixed-use community, which will offer a range of inclusive living options in one of the most desirable locations in Greater Manchester.”
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This isn’t the only new project recently announced by the Peel Group either, as they are also spearheading a new ice rink down the road in Trafford.
You can see the plans for the new venue which is set to be one of the biggest in the UK down below:
Government extends ‘lifeline’ household support fund over winter
Emily Sergeant
Vulnerable households in England are set to receive support for the cost of essentials this winter, the Government has announced.
As summer draws to a close and the autumn and winter months edge closer towards the end of the year, the Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall has this week announced an extension to the Government’s already-successful Household Support Fund for the next six months up until April 2025.
The Government says the £421 million extension “gives certainty” to local Councils and authorities across England over the winter months.
As the cost of living crisis sadly continues to make its impact felt nationwide, the Government is urging pensioners and anyone struggling with the cost of energy, food, and water over the colder months to contact their local Council to see what support may be available to them.
Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall has announced an extension to the #HouseholdSupportFund for the next six months
As well as covering the cost of winter essentials, many Councils also use the Household Support Fund beyond emergency support too – including working with local charities and community groups to provide residents with key appliances, school uniforms, cookery classes, and items to improve energy efficiency in the home.
The extension of the Household Support Scheme for a further six months comes after the Government has unfortunately revealed that around 1.3 million more people have fallen into poverty since 2010/11 – with living standards falling by the largest year-on-year drop since records began in 2022/23.
With the new Government continuing with its work to “deliver growth in the long term”, the extension of the Fund will help Councils to prevent vulnerable households from experiencing “an immediate cliff edge” of support with a tough winter ahead.
The Government has announced an extension to the ‘lifeline’ household support fund over the winter / Credit: Pixabay | pxhere
“We are extending the Household Support Fund for the next six months, because it is a lifeline for people who are struggling with the cost of living,” explained the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Liz Kendall.
“The dire inheritance we face means more people are living in poverty now than 14 years ago.
“This Government is taking immediate action to prevent a cliff edge of support for the most vulnerable in our society, and at the same time, we are taking action to fix the foundations of our country through our plans to grow the economy, make work pay, and Get Britain Working again.”
Council Leader @bevcraig has welcomed the extension of a multi-million pound which gives a vital lifeline to thousands Manchester people struggling with the cost of living.
Manchester’s City Council leader, Bev Craig, has welcomed the Fund’s extension.
“While we continue long-term work to address the causes of poverty, there is no doubt that extra short-term help is still urgently needed for those feeling the impact of the cost of living crisis on top of 14 years of austerity,” Cllr Craig commented.
“Today’s announcement will ensure we can give that extra support to those who need it most and we will work with the new government to tackle the long-term root causes.”
Featured Image – Aldi UK
Property
Plans unveiled to turn old Oxford Road HATCH site into new ‘entertainment hub’
Emily Sergeant
Exciting plans have been unveiled to create a brand-new “entertainment hub” in the heart of Manchester city centre.
One of the UK’s fastest-growing leisure chains, STACK – which already has several similar successful sites across the country in places such as Newcastle and Sunderland – has announced that it has now taken control of the former HATCH site beneath the flyover on Oxford Road, and will be transforming the space into a “dynamic blend” of street food, bars, and live entertainment.
The proposed new venture, which will be called STACK Manchester, has been designed with a gateway arch entrance from Oxford Road, leading to an expansive open plaza surrounded by street food vendors and bars.
Forming a permanent feature of the Oxford Road Corridor if approved, STACK Manchester will be housed in repurposed shipping containers, and arranged over two levels.
Developers say the design of the new site will incorporate “ample” glazing and pavement seating to create a “lively frontage that connects seamlessly with the street”.
Central to the development is a large stage, which will be a focal point for daily live entertainment that ranges from family-friendly events and quiz nights, to mass sing-alongs and dog shows, and in addition to this, there’ll also be two new outward-facing retail units and a dual-aspect coffee shop.
Former traders from HATCH are encouraged to apply for a place in the new STACK Manchester, and will be given priority during the selection process.
Speaking as the plans for the new development were unveiled this week, Neill Winch, who is the CEO of STACK, commented: “We believe this site is the perfect fit for our concept, and we’re excited to bring our blend of street food, bars, and live entertainment to Manchester.
“Subject to planning approval being granted, we are confident STACK Manchester will become a much-loved venue for local residents as well as a successful visitor attraction.”