Member Article

Downing tops out first phase of £400 million development at First Street

The Leader of Manchester City Council has joined developer Downing to celebrate the ‘topping out’ of the first phase of its major £400m shared living scheme, Square Gardens.

As part of First Street, Square Gardens will bring 1,301 new homes to one of Manchester’s fastest growing and vibrant neighbourhood communities, with a mix of accommodation to suit every price point, including shared apartments and one bed studios, together with one and two-bed apartments.

Residents will enjoy fantastic amenities and services, including a gym, wellness centre and co-working spaces plus extensive social areas such as lounges, a cinema room and private dining area, all set within the largest private landscaped garden in the city centre.

The topping out ceremony marked Downing reaching the highest point in the construction of the Acer Tower - the first phase of the landmark residential development, which is set to be the largest co-living development in the UK.

Downing’s Chairman George Downing, Investment Director Bay Downing and Projects Director George Tyson were joined on-site to celebrate the ‘topping out’ by the Leader of Manchester City Council Cllr Bev Craig, alongside Cllr Gavin White, Executive Member for Housing and Development and Becca Heron, the city council’s Strategic Director for Growth and Development.

Cllr Bev Craig, Leader of Manchester City Council, said: “Square Gardens will enhance the growing First Street district and add to its vibrancy. We have an ambitious housing strategy to deliver 36,000 new homes in Manchester by 2032 and this development will play a significant part.”

The scheme, designed by award-winning architects Simpson Haugh Partnership, will boast one of the largest outdoor green spaces in the city. It will also include the addition of more than 140 new trees, which will improve air quality and aid in the wellbeing of the wider First Street community.

Projects Director, George Tyson, said: “This is a significant milestone and a fantastic opportunity to see Square Gardens really starting to take shape. We were honoured to have leaders from Manchester City Council join us to celebrate this occasion, which highlights the importance of this development to the city and its community.

“Square Gardens has been designed to bring people together to connect and share experiences. Our aim is to provide high quality, purpose-built living spaces, offering flexible and hassle-free city centre living at inclusive prices. It’s also our strongest performing project to date in terms of environmental impact and sustainability. We look forward to welcoming residents and creating a vibrant community within this outstanding development.”

Square Gardens will contribute to the regeneration of First Street and provide a new place to live and a new way to rent in Manchester City Centre. It will offer the chance to join the vibrancy and convenience of city life, while removing all the usual headaches of renting. Everyone will benefit from an individual tenancy agreement with one monthly fee, including all utilities, super-fast Wi-Fi, and access to all facilities.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by John Robson .