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:
When it comes to those incredible facilities, we’re talking a gym, a yoga studio, three outdoor terraces with views across the city, study spaces, a private dining room, a gaming lounge, and free laundry. Not to mention a coffee lounge with free tea, coffee, and breakfast cereals.
They truly have thought of everything to allow students to thrive and make the most of the Manchester life, including running social events, co-working spaces, and mental health support.
This is Fusion Manchester’s brand new state-of-the-art student accommodation in Deansgate / Credit: Darren Robinson Photography (Supplied)
And as for the location? Well that’s just the cherry on top.
Fusion Manchester is nestled in the heart of Deansgate, making it less than a five-minute walk to Deansgate Train Station or tram stop, as well as being in prime proximity to the University of Manchester and Manchester Metropolitan University which are both around 20 minutes away on foot – ideal when you’re running late for a class.
It also could not be in a better spot for making plans on the weekends with new friends, as it’s just a stones-throw away from some of the best cafes, restaurants, concert and retail spaces that Manchester has to offer.
The rooms boast incredible panoramic views / Credit: Darren Robinson Photography (Supplied)
All residents’ rent covers their utilities, superfast Wi-Fi, free laundry, regular housekeeping and access to shared facilities, as well as the building having a 24/7 reception, secure fob entry, and CCTV throughout, to keep students feeling nice and safe.
Rooms range from en-suite accommodations at £265 per week, to classic, premium, or deluxe studios from £345 per week – but hurry, as they’re booking up fast and it’s not hard to see why.
If you’d like to book a viewing or learn more about Fusion Manchester, click here.
Featured Image – Darren Robinson Photography (Supplied)
Property
Manc architects submit plans to demolish 1970s office block and make way for new residential area
Danny Jones
A Manchester-based architects has submitted promising proposals to demolish an old 1970s-era office block and make way for a brand new residential community in Stockport.
The vision seems fairly ambitious and lofty – pun intended – but the potential outcome could be stunning.
Ollier Smurthwaite (OS) Architects are the local practice behind the new housing plans, which will not only provide nearly 300 new homes but also bring part of the Stopfordian skyline down; it’s not often you hear of things getting lower when so much of Greater Manchester just keeps building up.
Sharing the first proper glimpse at what they hope the redeveloped corner of the busy A6 main road will look like, many have been pleased to see familiar red brick and a traditional feel as opposed to more glass towers.
Writing a lengthy caption alongside the social media post, the OS state, “We are preparing a planning application for the St Christopher’s site in Stockport.
“Located at the prominent junction of Wellington Road South and Longshut Lane, the proposal aims to transform the prominent corner by demolishing the existing 10-storey 1970s office block to make way for a new residential community.
“The proposals are for a modern ‘mansion’ block with taller ceilings, more windows, better communal areas and private gardens.”
It remains to be seen at what price point these apartments will be available for.
Promising a total of 278 ‘new dwellings’, the scheme will crucially see the height of the existing plot lowered to fall in line with other neighbouring properties, as St Christopher’s House currently sits well above the nearby terraces and its metropolitan style does stand out against the surrounding brickwork.
The early reception to the proposed plans looks to be largely positive, too, with one user commenting online, “A very nice looking building with character. More of these please”; another went so far as to add, “These are the sort of modern buildings that will become grade listed.”
It’s also worth showcasing what exactly these blueprints look like when they’re brought to life, such as another development over in Longsight:
Render vs Reality. We recently completed our Daisy Bank scheme in Longsight Manchester for 72 new homes. The scheme takes contextual references from Dalton Ellis Hall & Victoria Park Christian Fellowship in the adjacent conservation area.@createstreets@archi_tradition… pic.twitter.com/DasRUtaylh
Safe to say that seeing what businesses trying to regenerate boroughs actually deliver compared to their initial mock-ups is always useful.
The award-winning firm goes on to add that “the building will be deliberately stepped back from the pavement to create a planted tree-lined avenue”, which will also revolve around a central courtyard and residents’ gardens, with ground-floor flats benefitting from private patios.
CGIs of shared communal roof terraces also give the designs that added modern look, with few other places in the vicinity offering this kind of space. It could be a welcome addition to the region that is already going through plenty of change at the minute.
Another big construction scheme is the one being carried out by Capital and Centric over the new Weir Mill district, which could be transformational for the town centre.
Danny Jones -
30th January 2024 
