A building in Manchester city centre that has been labelled an ‘eyesore’ for years is set to be knocked down.
Developers had originally planned to strip down the brutalist Premier House, on the corner of Deansgate and Blackfriars Street, to its concrete frame.
It was then proposed that it would be redeveloped it into 40,000sq ft of modern office space.
But those working on the project have now found that the work to retain the structure would ‘severely impact the deliverability of the project’ and are planning to demolish it.
Plans for the Treehouse Hotel in Manchester, taking over the former Renaissance building beside Premier House. Credit: Supplied
It’s believed that keeping the existing concrete structure would create several restrictions, including limited ceiling heights.
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The redevelopment of both Premier House and the former Renaissance Hotel – which closed in July 2020 – have been getting underway in recent months.
Its new life will see a new luxury hotel, Treehouse Hotel, take the place of the Renaissance.
Treehouse will include a ‘secret forest’ treehouse canopy and three new restaurants and bars, fronted by local hospitality heroes Mary-Ellen McTague, Sam Grainger, Luke Cowdrey (aka Unabomber) and Justin Crawford.
A letter from Avison Young lodged with the planning application to demolish Premier House states: “Retaining the structure of the current building and integrating it into the new office building would severely impact the deliverability of the project.”
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If plans are approved, the joint venture between Property Alliance Group and Starwood Capital would instead construct a new-build alternative on the site.
Featured image: Google Maps
Property
Plans to transform Chorlton’s old shopping centre have been green-lit
Danny Jones
Yes, after a prolonged period of uncertainty, the plans put together for redeveloping Chorlton Cross Shopping Centre are now moving forward.
Following an extensive consultation period back in 2023 and planning permission having now been approved by Manchester City Council, the transformation of the long-neglected retail complex has been green-lit, and the project will be moving forward even sooner than you think.
As confirmed earlier this week, Stretford-based construction company PJ Livesey will be working in tandem with the Greater Manchester Pension Fund to deliver the major regeneration, which will see even more living spaces and leisure facilities arrive in the already thriving suburb.
Following an official press release on Thursday, 18 December, we’ve now been given a latest glimpse at what the developers are hoping the new Chorlton Cross district will look like.
Credit: Font Communications (supplied)
Plans for the transformation of both the high street and the old Leisure Centre date back to 2023 and even further when taking into account the Council asking the public for their thoughts on what should happen with the area, but Chorlton Cross, specifically, has been the subject of debate for some time.
The bulk of units in and around the largely forgotten shopping centre are now empty, with just a few hold-outs still clinging on to their space.
Now, following extensive feedback from native Mancs and those who have flooded into the South Manchester town over the past decade, the approved plans have now been revealed.
They include:
A mix of 262 one, two and three-bed apartments, all with access to outdoor space through balconies and gardens
20% affordable homes available through a mix of tenures, with 18.5% of these being available for social rent
Around 3,500 sq metres of public open space, including a fully walkable route through Manchester Rd and outdoor seating areas to encourage people to stop and dwell
A mix of flexible retail spaces, such as a new ‘Makers Yard’ suitable for smaller, start-up businesses
Up to 60 new trees across the site with maximised retention of existing trees
Manc filmmaker, Bernard Leach – who has been making videos about the region since 2007 – shared a longer look at how the vision for this next chapter in Chorlton‘s residential and retail history is currently shaping up earlier this month.
As you can see, some sections of the old Lancashire village and ‘cum-Hardy’ parish could look rather unrecognisable sooner than you think.
Should everything go ahead as scheduled, those involved are hoping to get work underway in the New Year, with the ‘decommissioning’ of all existing buildings, including Graeme House, undergoing demolition by early 2026.
With the majority vacating their premises in recent years, it’s fair to say that it’s been vastly underutilised for far too long.
Posting on social media back in September last year, nearby resident Nigel Woodcock wrote: “Serious question, not just councillor-baiting, but can anyone explain why the retail businesses in Chorlton Precinct were booted out before any decisions were made about what’s going to happen to it?
“It makes no sense to me. No plans have even been submitted, so far as I’m aware, so why kick out those businesses and leave it derelict for so long? The land and buildings are actually owned by the combined GM Local Authorities, so one might expect a modicum of political and business nous to be applied.”
Similar to the new plans being put together for the stretch of land between Castlefield and Salford, most are just glad something is finally happening with the space.
Commenting on the plans progressing, PJ Livesey’s Managing Director, Georgina Lynch, said in an official statement: “This is a landmark moment for Chorlton, marking the transformation of the former shopping centre into a vibrant new hub for the community.
“Working closely with Manchester City Council, we’ve carefully balanced the delivery of much-needed new homes – including 20% affordable – with the creation of lively, welcoming spaces to shop, relax, and spend time.
“This site is at the heart of Chorlton, and we’re bringing it back to life, cementing the area’s reputation as a truly great place to live.”
What do you make of the Chorlton Cross Shopping Centre regeneration plans?
Featured Images — Nigel Woodcock (via Facebook)/CGI (supplied via Font Comms)
Property
Plans unveiled for new ‘island district’ in Manchester
Daisy Jackson
Ambitious plans to turn Pomona Island into a new ‘island district’ for Manchester have been revealed.
The plans include building 2,600 new homes, plus green spaces and new waterfront connections.
Known as Manchester Waters, this ‘island district’ would see the urban island at the junction of the Bridgewater Canal and Manchester Ship Canal turned into a waterfront neighbourhood.
Pomona Island is a stone’s throw from the city centre and in its heyday was home to botanical gardens and the Royal Pomona Palace, before being used as docklands. These days, it’s largely underutilised.
Peel Waters have now submitted a planning application to Trafford Council, with a vision to regenerate the remaining 25 acres of brownfield land.
While many Mancs would love to see this turned into a park or community space, the developers’ proposals include 2,600 homes that will be a mixture of affordable, build-to-rent, for sale, student, care and elderly living accommodation.
But they propose keeping more than half the site dedicated to public realm and green spaces, including a five-acre park, sports and play areas, footpaths and cycleways.
The masterplan has left space for a hotel, workspace, retail, leisure and events, plus coffee shops, bars and restaurants.
Plans to turn Pomona Island into a new neighbourhood. Credit: Peel Waters and Jon Matthews Architects
An earlier public consultation found that 78% of respondents were in favour of a new neighbourhood on Pomona Island.
Peel Waters, X1 Developments and Hestia have already delivered almost 600 homes on the island as part of an earlier phase of its redevelopment, with 500 more set to begin construction next year.
Leigh Thomas, Development Director at Peel Waters, commented: “Submitting the outline planning application is a significant step forward in delivering our vision for Manchester Waters.
“This masterplan will open up Pomona Island to the public for the first time in decades, creating a unique ‘island’ neighbourhood with parks and recreation space for future visitors, residents and workers to enjoy, whilst ensuring there is a housing option for all incomes and ages.
“With support from partners and stakeholders, over 1,000 of these much needed new homes could be completed at Manchester Waters in the next 5 years – which is a really exciting prospect.
“We’re grateful to everyone who took part in the Manchester Waters consultation and shared their ideas. Their feedback has helped shape plans that will deliver the new homes Trafford and Greater Manchester need, alongside green spaces and amenities for the whole community.”
A spokesperson for Trafford Council added: “Manchester Waters is a key strategic site for Trafford Council and forms a large part of our plans to regenerate that particular area of the borough. We look forward to seeing how the application for development progresses.”
Daisy Jackson -
11th July 2022 
