Major city centre regenerations are becoming increasingly popular as the economy recovers, particularly in areas which place a high emphasis upon boosting consumer footfall from both locals and tourists.
In Manchester, this has led to a joint venture between Capital & Centric and Henry Boot Developments creating plans for an overhaul of a former Manchester Metropolitan University campus in the heart of the city, with the local council’s planning committee set to rubber stamp the initial blueprints later this week.
The redevelopment, predicted to cost around £175 million, will take place on Aytoun Street and will create a new residentially led neighbourhood with a selection of bars and restaurants on the ground floor level. Also included in the plans are two hotels which will help to boost Manchester’s prestige as one of the North West’s top tourism destinations.
Joint venture partners have revealed that the former MMU business school site will be rebranded, and the future development will be known as “Kampus” in a move designed to bear its original use in mind. Altogether, the site will measure 2.3 acres and will, once complete, boast around 450,000 square feet of new, high quality residential and commercial space.
In a report compiled by the council in response to the Strategic Regeneration Framework submitted by the joint venture partners, the planning committee claims that the development will prove beneficial to local residents.
It says; “The SRF (Strategic Regeneration Framework) will create a new, vibrant and creative mixed use residentially led neighbourhood, integrating the site with the surrounding area, transforming the environment and appearance of this important gateway with new buildings, new public streets, squares and active commercial and leisure uses at ground floor level.
“The proposals will add to the life and vitality of the area which are integral to the delivery of a new sustainable city centre neighbourhood district.
“The redevelopment of the Aytoun Street campus will make a substantial contribution to the local economy (the Village).”
Capital & Centric and Henry Boot first became involved in the regeneration project 12 months ago when the partnership became the preferred purchaser of the former MMU site. They will now launch a public consultation into the redevelopment to ensure local residents are able to cite their desires, and will simultaneously enter into discussions with local stakeholders.
One of the most significant aspects of the redevelopment will be the retention of Minto & Turner and Minshull House, both of which are Grade II listed buildings located on the site. The framework has already confirmed that they will be refurbished during the works on site, although the nature of this refurbishment is yet to be revealed.
The council report also indicates that this regeneration will meet with the approval of MMU representatives, saying; “The SRF will enable the University to dispose of the Aytoun Street Campus in a manner which not only supports the University’s corporate objectives, but also makes a significant contribution to the long term economic growth of the city, its residential growth and place making ambitions, and in a way that is commercially deliverable.”
Do you think this redevelopment will be met with approval by locals?
