Member Article

Plans submitted for Manchester’s St John’s Quarter

Property developer Allied London has submitted plans for the first phase of a new city centre neighbourhood on the site of the old ITV Granada studios.

The new £1.35 billion development, to be called the St. John’s Quarter, will be situated between Spinningfields area and the Museum of Science and Industry, in the heart of Manchester city centre.

The two applications submitted are for the Manchester Grande Hotel and the Bonded Warehouse.

The Manchester Grande will redevelop the former Granada television studios into a hotel and an events and performance space, while the nearby Bonded Warehouse building will be redeveloped into a mixed-use workspace, retail and leisure destination.

The 150 bedroom Manchester Grande will offer dedicated restaurants and bars and a rooftop bar.

According to Allied London, the final plans “set out a vision for a new neighbourhood to live, a place for community, future enterprise and innovation; and for culture, entertainment and leisure”.

Michael Ingall, Chief Executive of Allied London, said: “Our vision is to create a really engaging and exciting mixed-use neighbourhood for Manchester that brings together enterprise, innovation, culture, entertainment and leisure, in a unique living environment in the heart of the city.

“St. John’s will create a new hive of cultural and community activity within Manchester City Centre. Set amongst 15 acres St John’s will combine high-quality residential developments with significant public spaces and vibrant streets.”

“This new neighbourhood has been designed in a development partnership with Manchester City Council, and will become a major enterprise and cultural catalyst for the region’s economy and provide a vibrant creative village consisting of workspace, new homes, leisure, retail and green spaces.”

He added, “It’s an exciting opportunity for Manchester: for the people and families that want to live in the city and the exciting creative and enterprising businesses starting to flourish.”

“It will also transform the balance of the region’s economy, providing a unique base for visitors to enjoy and share in the city’s culture and heritage.”

“Allied London has a history of successfully breathing new life into areas of Manchester and we look forward to doing so again.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Simon Malia .