Trilogy Real Estate and Peterson Group’s plans for the redevelopment of the Great Northern site in Manchester have been approved by Manchester City Council.
The proposals, which were drawn up by architect SimpsonHaugh and landscape architect Planit-IE, will see the six-acre site transformed into a new heritage-led mixed-use neighbourhood, providing 1.5m sq ft of office, leisure, retail and residential uses.
The landmark Great Northern Warehouse building will be converted into high-quality office space, with a new glazed atrium in the centre of the building bringing natural light into the space.
Deansgate Terrace will be ‘restored and refreshed’ to provide 30,000 sq ft of flexible commercial space and the ‘Leisure Box’ site will be redeveloped into three residential buildings comprising 746 apartments, offering a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom homes. Two taller buildings of 27 and 34 storeys will rise above a two-storey podium building, which will feature a 2,000 sq m shared private courtyard on the roof.
Great Northern Square, which sits in front of the warehouse, will be transformed into a ‘welcoming green oasis providing biodiverse amenity space for residents, workers, visitors and families to meet, relax and play’.
Robert Wolstenholme, founder and CEO of Trilogy, said: “A huge team has worked tirelessly and with huge passion for over eight years to listen, design and refine to arrive at a proposed scheme we hope Manchester will proud of. There is much still to do and we will continue to work hard to bring to life what has been in our imaginations for so many years. We greatly look forward to continuing to build a community of the best of the north at the Great Northern.”
Nick Owen, partner at SimpsonHaugh, said: “We are delighted that the proposals for the Great Northern have been approved. We now look forward to delivering on our vision for this important site, creating a thriving and sustainable mixed-use neighbourhood, celebrating the site’s unique built heritage, and creating a place for everyone to enjoy.”
Lindsay Humblet, director at Planit-IE, added: “This is a fantastic result and once complete will become an exemplar of how landscape architecture will enrich the neighbourhood, its emerging community and also contribute to a greener future for Manchester city centre.”
Work on site is expected to begin as early as 2024.
