Manchester council has approved schemes worth more than £1bn in one planning committee - including a new ‘co-living’ scheme on First Street.
Developer and operator Downing will build - and ultimately manage - a neighbourhood spread across four residential blocks, including a 45-storey tower comprising more than 2,000 bedrooms.
The bedrooms will be a mix of accommodation types, ranging from private studios to five-bedroom apartments, as well as more conventional one and two bedroom apartments, Downing said.
The development would also include a public park and square is also planned, along with a cinema, gym, a cafe, a resident’s lounge and co-working spaces.
Another ‘co-living’ scheme on Water Street - submitted by developer Vita Group - was also approved by the planning committee yesterday.
However, approval comes after councillors were ‘minded to refuse’ both schemes after expressing concerns about the concept of co-living, as well as the size of the schemes, the Manchester Evening News reported.
A decision on Downing’s controversial £260m proposals at First Street had been deferred in early August for a site visit.
Downing said: “There is much focus on the ‘co’ aspect of ‘co-living’, and the innovations in design and management will help create the community that is so often lacking in city centre residential developments.
“However, the primary focus we have is on the ‘living’ aspect of the scheme, offering our residents a well- managed, affordable home in the heart of the city centre, of the highest quality, surrounded by like-minded individuals and providing access to a wide range of cultural, leisure and entertainment facilities.”
Manchester council’s planning committee yesterday (September 24) granted permission for other major schemes including a £350m, 23,500 capacity arena next to the Etihad Stadium, 634 new homes as part of the Northern Gateway scheme and 410 new homes in Varley Street, Miles Platting.
Manchester city council leader Sir Richard Leese said the schemes represent “a remarkable statement of confidence in Manchester at a time of major national economic uncertainty”.
“That is important not just as a reassurance but as something which would translate into real jobs, real homes and real opportunities for Manchester people - helping to support the city’s economic recovery from the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic,” he said.
