Property
Developers unveil plan to transform forgotten corner of Lever Street
It is hoped the historic buildings will be transformed into a brand new mixed office space
New life could soon be injected into two derelict buildings in the Northern Quarter thanks to an upcoming public consultation.
Real estate developer Soller Group is holding the consultation on Wednesday November 2nd for its city-centre development proposals, where it will invite members of the public to comment on its plans to develop a prominent site on the corner of Lever Street and Great Ancoats Street.
The proposed heritage-led scheme aims to transform the existing site into a brand-new c.100,000 sq ft office led mixed-use development through a combination of sensitive retention and restoration of historic buildings, and the addition of a contemporary new building set back from Lever Street.
The developer is hoping to create a community hub, restaurant and bar offering in the restored ground floor buildings, and offices above designed to cater for creative businesses as they grow in the NQ. Currently as creative companies expand they are being forced out of the NQ due to a lack of modern office space.
Designed by Glenn Howells Architects, the scheme also hopes to promote economic benefits, including the potential to generate 800 direct jobs in the city and a predicted annual GVA contribution of £60m to the Greater Manchester economy.
Following the public consultation and review of feedback, it is hoped a planning application will be submitted in early Spring 2023.
Soller’s CEO Nick Treadaway said: “We’re very much looking forward to meeting with the general public and listening to their views on our proposals.
“This is a very complex site presenting many design challenges both from a heritage and massing point of view.
“It has been our priority to develop these plans sensitively and respectfully, ensuring that the end result provides a modern building which sits sympathetically within its surroundings.”
Members of the development team will be at the consultation event, which takes place on Wednesday 2nd November between 4pm and 7pm at Huckletree, The Express Building, 9 Great Ancoats Street.