Plans for a massive new 44-storey residential skyscraper in the heart of Manchester city centre havetaken another big step forward.
But does it mean change to one of Manchester‘s most famous views?
Located on what has been referred to as a “prominent site” adjacent to Deansgate train station and Deansgate-Castlefield tram stop at Whitworth Street West, the dramatic proposals would see the development of a total of 364 apartments set over 44 storeys.
Developers Glenbrook say the building has been designed to “respond to the city’s heritage”, most notably through its three-storey arched terracotta colonnade at street level.
Well-lit new green spaces, enhancements to existing pedestrian routes and seamless integration with the surrounding communities, all form part of the landscaping proposals for the bold new project.
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“As a Manchester-based developer, we are excited about the prospect of embarking on a landmark development in the heart of our city”, says Daniel Roberts, the Development Director at Glenbrook.
“Whitworth Street West is undergoing a period of revitalisation, and Glenbrook is incredibly proud to be playing such an integral part in its future.”
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Following a public consultation back in October, a planning permission application has been officially submitted to Manchester City Council (MCC).
However, should plans move ahead, it would involve the demolition of the two existing buildings – Wrendal House and Whitworth House – before work can commence.
The project’s start date at present is pencilled in for early 2026.
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A CGI of a proposed skyscraper on Whitworth Street West in Manchester. (Credit: Glenbrook)
As mentioned, local residents, businesses and interested stakeholders were invited to view the plans in detail and provide their thoughts on the proposals as they stand.
The development will cover a range of one, two and three-bed flats distributed across the tower’s upper 41 floors (120 one-beds, 218 two-beds and 26 three-bed homes).
There is also approximately 7,800 sq ft of active space on the ground, first, and second-floor levels which could be used for a variety of amenities, business and leisure purposes.
One thing to note so far is that no car parking is currently included in the blueprints, as the developers and property managers are set to encourage residents to walk and/or use the city’s various and newly-invigorated public transport links under the Bee Network.
The view of what Whitworth Street West currently looks like in October 2024. (Credit: The Manc Group)
According to developers, the feedback gathered during the consultation will play a key role in shaping the final planning application how work can ultimately ensure the development meets the needs of the community will also be taken into account.
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Standard planning permission applications obviously vary on a case-to-case basis but a decision is usually reached within 8-13 weeks.
The scheme can be found on the MCC’s planning portal, using the reference number: 141773/FO/2024.
Man jailed after killing three-year-old girl in crash between van and tram in Manchester city centre
Emily Sergeant
A man has been jailed after killing a three-year-old little girl in a crash between a van and a tram in Manchester city centre.
It comes after emergency services responded to reports of a road traffic collision involving a tram and a van in Mosley Street in Manchester city centre at around 10am on Saturday (22 February), where it was found that the Mercedes van collided with the tram, forcing the van onto the pavement where it collided with a pedestrian.
The pedestrian, a three-year-old girl, was rushed to hospital shortly after, but despite the best efforts of all involved, sadly passed away from her injuries.
She was later named as Louisa (Lulu) Palmisano.
The driver – who was later named as Rawal Rehman, of Lambton Road in Manchester – left his vehicle and fled the scene in a taxi, but was subsequently arrested in a restaurant two days after the incident (24 February) after officers traced him through documents found in his van.
He was arrested for causing death by dangerous driving, and chose to plead guilty to the charge at Manchester Crown Court on Tuesday 22 April, before his sentencing took place today (27 May).
A man has been jailed after killing a three-year-old girl in crash between a van and a tram / Credit: The Manc Group | GMP
Rehman has been sentenced to 12 years in prison, as was also disqualified for 13 years and eight months until he passes a further test.
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said the tragedy was ‘completely avoidable’ and that Rehman’s ‘callous actions’ on that fatal day have changed a family’s lives forever, so he must now ‘face the consequences’ of his actions.
Lulu’s family also shared a powerful victim impact statement.
“Lulu was our only child and the centre of our world,” the statement reads. “Her joyful spirit, vivid imagination, and kind heart touched everyone who knew her. At just three years old, she brought more light and love than we ever thought possible. Her life was full of promise, and her loss is something we will carry with us for the rest of our lives.
“No parent should ever have to witness the death of their child. The impact of that single, devastating moment has rippled through every part of our existence, emotionally, physically, and financially.
“Our lives have changed beyond recognition.”
#JAILED | Rawal Rehman (28/11/1988) was sentenced to 12 years at Manchester Crown Court today for causing the death by dangerous driving of three-year-old Louisa (Lulu) Palmisano.
Rehman was arrested by officers two days after the fled the scene.
“Lulu’s memory lives on in us – in every act of kindness, in every moment of courage, and in every step we take forward. We will continue to speak her name, to celebrate who she was, and to ensure that her light is never forgotten.”
Featured Image – GMP
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A premium car brand is opening up its first-ever UK city garage in Manchester
Danny Jones
Premium performance car brand, CUPRA, is set to open its first-ever UK city centre garage right here in Manchester next month.
It’s just their 12th British branch and will be one of their most impressive yet.
CUPRA, which primarily makes its models in Spain, is one of the fastest-growing manufacturers in Europe, especially in the performance market, and has recently launched in the likes of Mexico City and Sydney too.
Now set to open their latest location here in England this June, the new CUPRA space is set to be more than just your average garage/car showroom.
Due to open up on St. Ann Street (Manchester M2 7LP) next to the city centre square of the same name, the premium dealer is promising more than just a space to show off their cars.
As per an official statement, it will be “a bold new destination that blends Mediterranean attitude with Manchester’s disruptive spirit.”
Detailing that they chose our home due to its “unrivalled cultural impact and creative energy”, they went on to describe Greater Manchester as a “high-impact cultural hub rooted in music, design, wellness, food, and electrifying performance, it’s designed to connect people, ideas, and communities.”
The press release goes on to explain that at the core of CUPRA’s Manchester launch will be their new ‘Counter Culture‘ calendar of immersive experiences and events, with this new venue looking to innovate when it comes to programming and collaborations with Manchester independents and more.
CUPRA have steadily been announcing their arrival in town via various special activations, but come 26 June, they’ll be here full-time.
The CUPRA Dark Rebel landed on UK shores recently at Diecast Manchester!
Speaking about the launch, Marcus Gossen, CUPRA UK Brand Director, said: “Manchester was the natural destination for the latest CUPRA City Garage. The desire to continually evolve and transform is something we share with this great city, as well as its disruptive spirit.”
Having surpassed 800,000 cars sold worldwide and boasting big sponsorship deals with famous athletes like FC Barcelona’s Alexia Putellas, not to mention being a leading partner of the rising Baller League competition, their presence in the UK is growing, and fast.
To mark the occasion here in 0161, a special launch event with live music, entertainment, as well as food and drink, will be taking place; the lineup is still yet to be announced.
Once again, CUPRA Manchester – their first UK city garage and showroom – opens in 2–14 St. Ann Street on Thursday, 26 June.
Emily Sergeant -
10th October 2024 
