Two planning applications have been submitted to turn what is described as a “challenging” area of Manchester city centre into a “vibrant neighbourhood”.
As part of the masterplan to “progress the vision” for the city’s emerging Red Bank neighbourhood, Far East Consortium (FEC) – the developer behind Manchester’s Victoria North joint venture partnership with Manchester City Council – has this week submitted ambitious plans to transform over 30 acres of largely brownfield site into a thriving community.
These new plans include 4,800 new homes, alongside a range of commercial and social facilities
Developers say the plans represent “one of the largest residential planning applications” to come forward in Manchester in recent years.
Plans submitted to turn ‘challenging’ area of Manchester city centre into ‘vibrant neighbourhood’ / Credit: FEC
The planning submissions are said to have followed an “extensive design and consultation process” to develop a masterplan for the neighbourhood centred on FEC’s ‘Wild Urbanism concept’ – which the developer says prioritises green space, biodiversity, active travel, and public realm alongside city centre living.
Initial plans propose up to 3,250 of the new homes and more than 160,000 sq ft of non-residential floor space – including commercial uses, a health centre, primary school, residential amenities, and community spaces – while detailed plans have also been submitted for three plots on Dantzic Street, which is adjacent to FEC’s 634-home Victoria Riverside scheme.
This proposed scheme of 1,550 homes would see seven buildings varying in height between six and 34 storeys constructed – with a mix of one, two, and three-bed apartments and townhouses that developers say cater for “a diverse mix” of people and of type and tenure of home, including build to rent (BTR), affordable, and open market sale.
Away from the residential offering, the outline proposals also include the creation of new public realm with “extensive areas” of landscaping, greenspace, and wetlands aimed at supporting a minimum 10% biodiversity net gain across the neighbourhood.
Existing artist impression images of the wider Red Bank regeneration project / Credit: FEC
While the detailed proposals also include a new high street, including 20,000 sq ft of commercial and retail space “earmarked” for local independent businesses.
Again, “extensive landscaping” would be carried out on Dantzic Street and Dalton Street – with tree planting, resurfacing, widened footpaths, and new cycle lanes.
Hilary Brett, project director at FEC, called Red Bank is a “unique area of the city”, and said there is “huge opportunity to enhance what already exists” and to create “a vibrant neighbourhood” with these newly-submitted plans.
Cllr Gavin White, Manchester City Council’s executive member for housing and development, added: “This area at the edge of the city centre is a challenging prospect, but these planning applications are part of an ambitious vision for this new neighbourhood and community, bringing thousands of new homes, investment and life to a part of Manchester that has been underused for many years.”
Featured Image – FEC
Property
No-phones nightclub Amber’s has announced it is relaunching its second room
Danny Jones
Manchester’s famous no-phones nightclub, Amber’s, is preparing for a relaunch of its second room, just over half a year on from the venue’s opening week.
The smash hit, semi-censored space, which enforces a strictly no-device policy to ensure those in attendance maximise their amount of in-the-moment enjoyment without any risk of distraction, has just announced that they will be reworking ‘Room 2’.
Confirmed just in time for the rest of summer ‘season three’, where plenty of people will be opting to rave instead of splash their cash on Oasis and/or festival tickets, the soon-to-be-refreshed space will partner with audio specialists to provide an experience set to rival the main room.
Sharing a post featuring blueprints for the fixtures and some of the top-end equipment, new-look second room opens its doors early next month.
Writing on social media, the venue wrote: “Amber’s is proud to announce the relaunch of Room Two, featuring a brand new custom soundsystem designed by Norwegian pro-audio specialist NNNN and OJAS, and installed by Neuron Audio Visual.
“The collaboration between Amber’s and NNNN is the first time that the Oslo-based company, which specialises in innovating the future of audio, has created a speaker system for use in the UK. Amber’s will be the first venue in the country to house the state-of-the-art system.”
“The partnership furthers our commitment to world-class sound and creating a truly unique club space in the heart of Manchester. Room Two also now boasts a brand new lighting system and has received bespoke acoustic treatment.”
Reacting to the news, plenty of punters and artists alike are already stoked to see what they have in store; promoters ABB Events simply said, “We can’t wait to test this out 26 September.”
Speaking to The Manc, a regular visitor of Amber’s Manchester told us: “Room Two at Amber’s always felt a little forgotten – a space with potential, but lacking the same pull as the main room. With this new Soundsystem they’re putting in, it finally feels like it’s getting the love it deserves.”
While we understand the urge to document those ‘unforgettable’ gig moments – that does kind of go against what we build them up to be, hence why the Amber’s concept has gone down so well.
Teasing a lineup of “the best in house, techno and groove”, Amber’s Room Two 2.0 will debut on 2 August, and regulars are buzzing for it.
As always, the headliner remains unannounced to keep that allure, as well as that further added feeling of anticipation and excitement.
Inside One Port Street, the Northern Quarter’s luxury new 32-storey apartment block
Daisy Jackson
A towering new development in the Northern Quarter has revealed its open date – and given a sneak glimpse inside the luxury apartments.
One Port Street is a £195m development on the doorstep of both the Northern Quarter and Ancoats, standing at 32 storeys tall and boasting 477 open-plan apartments.
And this major new development will also be home to a 2000 sq ft leisure facility with a swimming pool, a spa pool, and an urban garden, with a total of 22,000 sq ft of public green space.
The building’s hit a major milestone this month, finally confirming an opening date of February 2026.
One Port Street has been developed by Select Property in partnership with prestigious architects SimpsonHaugh.
Inside, each apartment will offer an industrial aesthetic with exposed textures, and apartments ranging in size from one bed to three.
There’ll be glass balcony balustrades, with a pattern inspired by textile patterns from the Whitworth Art Gallery.
As well as the apartments, One Port Street will have high-spec indoor and outdoor working and socialising spaces, such as a 360° firepit, state-of-the-art gym and yoga studios, and co-working spaces.
CGIs of how One Port Street will look when it’s completed. Credit: Jon Parker Lee
On the 7th floor, there’ll be a resident lounge and external terrace, named after a tavern which stood on Port Street 200 years ago, plus a secret room for residents called The Hideout.
Ian Simpson, Founder Partner at SimpsonHaugh, said: “One Port Street embodies the rich architectural diversity of Manchester.
“This development offers more than just a place to live, work, and socialise – it’s a sanctuary within the city’s most creative and lively neighbourhood. It’s a true example of what a sustainable, modern community should be.”
Inside a One Port Street apartment. Credit: The Manc Group
Adam Price, CEO at Select Property, added: “One Port Street is set to be a true landmark for Manchester and represents everything we believe modern residential living should be – design-led, community-minded and connected to its surroundings and local heritage.
“The Northern Quarter has long been the focal point of Manchester’s creativity and culture and this new development takes inspiration from that while bringing something new to the community.
“The response so far has been phenomenal, and as we enter the final phase, we’re proud to be collaborating with local artists and independent businesses to bring the finishing touches to life, ahead of welcoming our first residents. Make sure you join the waitlist to be part of this exciting story.”
One Port Street is set to complete in February 2026 and you can see more here.
Emily Sergeant -
10th May 2023 
