The third phase of Middlewood Locks development has been submitted for planning approval, allowing for a residential and commercial neighbourhood at the western gateway to Manchester’s Central Business District
The third phase of Middlewood Locks has been designed by Whittam Cox Architects and submitted for planning by FairBriar International; a joint venture between Scarborough, Hualing Group, and Metro Holdings Limited.
Development plan
Middlewood Locks will provide a total of 2,215 new homes and 900,000 sq. ft of commercial space, including offices, hotel, shops, restaurants, a convenience store, and gym.
With landscaped areas of green public space, the scheme is being developed around three large basins of the Manchester, Bolton and Bury Canal which connect to the River Irwell and is a short walk from the central business district and retail amenities of Manchester city centre.
The site has a gross development value of more than £700m and is expected to create more than 7,000 jobs for the area.
Subject to receipt of planning consent, it is planned to start on this new phase in early 2021 with completion expected in 2023. Phase 2 topped out in February of this year and will be completed in 2021.
Third phase
Phase 3 will provide 176 new one to four-bedroom apartments in two blocks, one of 10 storeys and the other 12 storeys, on the northern side of the canal opposite Phase I. There will also be 13 canal side two to four-bedroom townhouses with almost all of the homes having their own private outdoor space by way of a balcony or terrace.
The scheme will also incorporate 5,150 sq. ft of ground-floor commercial/retail accommodation and an additional 4,970 sq. ft of offices.
A new sustainable development
Andrew Dabbs, board director at Whittam Cox Architects, said:“We are delighted to see another important milestone reached at Middlewood Locks where the regeneration of the next phase will build upon success of the first two phases whilst adding further diversity to the architectural character and outstanding public realm.
“The introduction of townhouses and duplex apartments that open onto the canal will also further support our aspiration to create a truly sustainable and multi-generational development in this important new neighbourhood.”
