The latest update from BDO, the administrator for the two DeTrafford vehicles behind the Castlefield project, states that five bids from unnamed developers have been received. 

While details of the bidders were not provided, the opportunity is likely to be of interest to several developers already active in Manchester, given that it benefits from planning permission. 

The land is estimated to be worth between £1.5m and £4m and is saddled with various debts. 

Lender Daiwa is owed £25.1m by the two SPVs – £2.7m in the form of a direct loan to facilitate the Gallery Gardens project and £22.4m by way of cross guarantees against other DeTrafford projects.  

Another lender, Maslow, is owed £11m by the Gallery Gardens vehicles by way of cross guarantees against other DeTrafford projects.  

Unsecured creditors are owed £7.2m by the two companies, the majority of which is intercompany debt.  

More than 80 of the flats have been sold off-plan and £2.1m of deposits has been paid, according to BDO. Around 70 of the purchasers hold unilateral notices. 

The five bidders want to acquire DeTrafford’s leasehold and freehold interests in the site.   

The company’s ownership extends to the plot where one of the blocks, comprising 195 apartments, would have been constructed.  

Gallery Gardens Block A Limited owns a 44-year leasehold on part of the site. DeTrafford Regiment Limited owns the freehold on the remainder.  

Manchester City Council owns the freehold to the other half of the scheme, earmarked for a 171-flat block.  

DeTrafford had signed a 150-year development agreement with Manchester City Council to bring the project forward. However, this agreement has now expired, according to BDO. 

BDO is liaising with the city council about the potential sale of the site. 

Roger Hannah is leading the sales process and Daiwa, the first-ranked secured creditor, is considering the bids, according to BDO’s report. 

The two vehicles behind Gallery Gardens are among a glut of DeTrafford entities to collapse in recent months. 

No1 Castlefield is another troubled DeTrafford project. Credit: via planning documents

Most recently, the collapse of DeTrafford No1 Castlefield was the seventh domino in director Gary Jackson’s DeTrafford empire to fall. That vehicle was behind a 420-home Manchester development.  

Planning consent for the scheme was granted in 2017 but no work has taken place in the last six years. 

More than 300 apartments within the project have been sold off plan to investors who are owed in excess of £13m for unbuilt properties. 

In total, No1 Castlefield, the most indebted of the DeTraffoird vehicles to collapse, owes £50m to creditors. 

Just a few days before the collapse of Gallery Gardens, the vehicle behind the developer’s completed 166-apartment Sky Gardens was put into administration.  

Last August, Place North West revealed that the company behind Wavelength, DeTrafford’s proposed 421-home development at Salford Quays, had gone into administration.   

Creditors on this scheme, which has never been built, are owed almost £11m, according to a report by administrator Kroll.   

In September, BDO was appointed by lender Maslow as administrator to DeTrafford St Georges Gardens, the vehicle behind the completed 138-apartment development of the same name.    

The following month, Maslow once again instructed BDO, this time over DeTrafford City Gardens, the company behind a 109-flat development.   

In December, a report by BDO on City Gardens and St George’s Gardens revealed the companies owed a combined £26m to creditors.   

The collapse of the Sky Gardens vehicle means the companies behind three of the four completed blocks within the Castlefield masterplan are in administration. Roof Gardens is not in administration. 

The post Race to bag stalled DeTrafford site heats up  appeared first on Place North West.

Our clients are blue-chip, multi-disciplinary property consultancies, with well established Regional, National & International Residential Teams. We have several vacancies for Residential Valuation Surveyors across Senior, Associate and/or Director level, for the whole of the North West region.

These are exciting opportunities to join and lead one of the largest residential teams in the North. Our clients’ teams provide a comprehensive residential offering to their clients, including but not limited to Agency, Valuation, Viability, Consultancy, Student Accommodation and Private Rented Sector, and the team continues to advise on some of the most exciting and advanced residential transactions throughout the North/North West.

Role Profile:

• To work within and/or lead the Residential Valuation team in providing professional residential advice and services throughout the North West market.
• Provide and/or lead on the provision of a full range of residential consultancy and valuation advice to a wide range of key existing clients in support of instructions managed by the Surveyors, Associate Directors and Directors.
• Working alongside the Development Consultancy and Planning teams in the North West office.
• Manage and contribute to team fees, billing and profit targets

Main Responsibilities:

• Develop and lead the team plan to develop the clients’ portfolio
• Prime client interface on projects i.e. update clients on progress, respond to queries, provide strategic advice
• Continue and enhance the team profile throughout the market
• Overlook and assist Associate Directors & Directors by contributing to client presentations, bids and pitches
• Identifies key technical issues/ problems in transactions and offers appropriate solutions
• Oversee and support delivery of client assignments, i.e. in the preparation and processing of technical/valuation information
• Work collaboratively with the team to generate new instructions and pool expertise within the team
• Proactively identify new business and revenue opportunities with new and existing clients
• Manage & liaise with internal teams and external consultants to provide a full client service
• Gather and act on client feedback
• Identifies opportunities to cross-sell when discussing a client’s requirements
• Manage team budgets and billing
• Maintain and develop strong client relationships
• Seek to exceed team turnover target
• Engage with team members and understand what other teams engage in and maintain

Knowledge & Experience:

• General Practice background for either a Corporate, Public Sector or Private practice
• Experience of working in a large practice and/or corporate environment
• Possess a strong contact base
• Experience of managing and successfully leading team
• Rounded experience of residential surveying consultancy and viability skills
• An understanding of business development and client relationship management
• Experience in networking and building relationships internally and externally
• A level of experience selling successfully to clients
• Demonstrable technical competence in areas relevant to role such as Circle / Argus, residual analysis planning viability analysis and PRS
• Demonstrable understanding of market and local knowledge
• Knowledge of the wider residential sector
• Financial awareness of yields, band rates, mortgage rates and availability of mortgages
• Business and report writing experience
• Detailed knowledge of current legislation and case law relevant to role
• IT skills (MS Word Advanced, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Internet)
• IT industry specific packages (i.e. Circle / Argus, Developer, Grail, etc)

Skills & Personal Qualities:

• Excellent command of written / verbal English
• Team player & Team leader
• Selling, negotiation, presentation and marketing skills
• Commercial awareness skills
• Coaching skills
• Good communicator
• Time management

Qualifications:

• Relevant degree level qualification
• MRICS/FRICS qualification

My client offers real scope for career development for a dedicated, professional and enthusiastic individual with a strong work ethic who wants to join one of the true international market leaders.

To apply for this position, then please email your CV to andrew@kingsleyrecruitment.co.uk or call Andrew Kingsley on 07879 413 765 for further information.

The post MRICS Residential Valuation Surveyors – Senior up to Director/Partner appeared first on Place North West.

Our client is a National Property Company that is looking to appoint an Asset Manager to its’ Real Estate team, based out of Manchester which offers generous hybrid working.

As an Asset Manager, you will be responsible for both maintaining and maximising the value of the company’s property portfolio through proactive asset enhancement opportunities including but not limited to lettings, lease re-gearing/renewals including tenant relocations, and undertaking improvement projects including refurbishments, extensions, or redevelopments.

Key pre-requisites & experience includes:

• Ability to undertake all aspects of Asset Management
• Customer Service
• Collaboration / Communication
• Financial Budget Management
• Governance / Compliance
• Leadership Qualities
• Good Communication Skills.
• A proven track record of successfully delivering to objectives and business targets.
• Strong knowledge of property legislation (L & T Act etc.)
• Knowledge of Word, Excel, Property Management, Valuation and Property Data Systems.
• RICS (or AssocRICS) or working towards membership.
• Full and clean UK Driving licence – essential.

Salary and Benefits

• Salary: circa £60,000+ per annum (DOE)
• Generous Car allowance
• Electric Car Scheme option
• Share Incentive Plan
• Discretionary Bonus scheme
• 25 days’ holiday
• Pension scheme
• Death in Service
• Free On-site parking
• Professional Subscriptions paid.
• And more….

Client-Side Asset Management opportunities of this magnitude do not arise too often, so if you are looking to make a successful career change within client-side role, then this role is worthy of consideration.

To receive a full copy of the job specification and confirmation of our client’s identity, please contact Andrew Kingsley MRICS on 07879 413 765 or andrew@kingsleyrecruitment.co.uk or email a copy of your latest CV to quoting the position and reference for this role.

Ref: AK1554602

The post In-House: Asset Manager appeared first on Place North West.

You will be working within a dynamic team of property professionals and will be responsible for a portfolio of residential properties, all of which are high end lets located in central Manchester/Salford. Our client is offering a hybrid role, with 3 days in the office and 2 days working from home

We are looking for a highly professional candidate, with exceptional customer service skills. The role will involve:

• First point of contact for all landlord and tenant enquiries
• Arranging maintenance with contractors
• Carrying out inspections and assessing work on site
• Rent renewals
• Deposit release
• Referencing tenants
• Managing rental arrears
• Negotiating and revising costs
• Issuing section notices
• Producing KPI reports
• Managing relationships with landlords
• Providing an exceptional level of service

Our client is looking for a highly organised candidate who can service an extremely busy, high-end portfolio and has the ability to deal with high pressure situations in a professional manner. You must have experience within residential property management to be considered for this role, you must also possess strong client relationship management skills.

Our client is offering a generous basic salary of £22 – £25K plus bonuses with an guaranteed OTE of £30k – £32k.

This is a fantastic opportunity not to be missed. Please send your CV to Rachael Gray to be considered for the role.

Clifton Gray is a specialist property recruitment company. We specialise in placing property professionals within architecture, residential property, and commercial property, from entry level through to senior appointments.

If you are currently working within the property sector, and you would like to hear more about current opportunities, please get in touch

The post Residential Property Manager appeared first on Place North West.

Blunstone, who will work from both the Leeds and Manchester offices, has been with CBRE for more than a decade and was previously a director in the London and South East team.

She brings more than 15 years’ experience as a chartered town planner across a range of sectors, most recently focusing on life sciences, higher education and student accommodation, film studios, healthcare and mixed use development.

Iain Jenkinson, executive director, CBRE planning & development, said: “We are delighted to welcome Hannah into the northern team.

“She brings a wealth of experience from London and the South East in many of the growth areas we are seeing right now and will add depth to our strategic advice and the project management of major planning applications in these sectors. We look forward to Hannah joining us.”

Blunstone added: “With the government’s focus on the regeneration of northern towns and cities and many transformational projects identified, it is an exciting time to be joining the growing Northern planning & development team.

“I am looking forward to utilising my recent experience in some of the alternative use classes which are key to many large scale regeneration projects.”

The post Blunstone makes CBRE move appeared first on Place North West.

Select Property has secured £128.5m of development finance for the Manchester scheme, which is due to complete in 2025. 

The deal comes despite volatility in the debt market caused by high interest rates that some experts have predicted could see development slow down. 

“Significant appetite from investors and funders alike is testament to the strength of the opportunity promised by One Port Street,” said Adam Price, chief executive of Select Property. 

Since sales of the units launched earlier this year, Select says it has sold £135m worth of properties. 

“The residence will deliver the very best of city centre living, with luxury amenities and a stunning contemporary design throughout the apartments and communal spaces. 

“With Maslow Capital at our side once again, One Port Street will bring forward a new neighbourhood that will connect the Northern Quarter with Ancoats – two of the UK’s most thriving places to live – and will deliver a lasting multi-million-pound boost to the city’s economy.” 

Select Property completed the acquisition of the Port Street site from Town Centre Securities for £12.95m last year having secured planning approval at the third time of asking.  

Select twice saw the application rejected by Manchester City Council.  

However, a reduction in height from 34 to 33 storeys saw the scheme given the green light by planners in July 2022.  

Designed by SimpsonHaugh Architects, the development also features an 11-storey block. The shorter element fronts Great Ancoats Street, while the tower portion faces Port Street. 

Renaker is the main contractor for the project, which can now continue apace thanks to Maslow’s nine-figure facility. 

The deal is the second between Maslow and Select. The companies previously struck a deal for the development of CitySuites II. 

Matt Pigram, senior partner at Maslow Capital, said: “One Port Street is an excellent addition to Select Property’s impressive portfolio that sets new benchmarks in residential living. 

“This ambitious project reflects Maslow Capital’s unwavering commitment to the UK’s housing sector and to supporting large-scale projects that are critical in addressing the nation’s housing shortage.” 

The post Select bags £128m for 33-storey Manchester project appeared first on Place North West.

Bruntwood has sold Hatch, which is home to independent food traders and retailers, to STACK, which operates several similar venues across the country. 

Plans are now being worked up for the redevelopment and expansion of the shipping container complex, which is to relaunch in 2024. 

Plans will see Hatch rebrand as STACK, creating a “permanent offering with a larger footprint, providing more opportunities for traders in the city”, according to a statement provided by Bruntwood. 

Originally launched in Newcastle, STACK is developing proposals for other sites across the North in places such as Durham, Whitley Bay, Bishop Auckland, Middlesbrough, Lincoln, Northampton, and Carlisle. 

Plans are also in place for a new Newcastle site after the original closed in 2022. 

Neill Winch, chief executive of STACK, said he is keen to continue the “fantastic work that Bruntwood has started at Hatch”. 

“We have a proven track record in providing venues that bring together the very best in street food and bars and we are also renowned for delivering a full programme of live entertainment for people of all ages, which has been a huge part of our success and an element we are looking forward to elevating in Manchester. 

“This location is the perfect fit for us, and we look forward to building on the great work Hatch has already done and taking it to the next level under the STACK brand.” 

Stack’s owners have confirmed that current Hatch traders will be given priority during the selection process if they choose to apply for a unit within the new scheme. 

Hatch opened in December 2017 as a way of utilising underused space while Bruntwood’s Circle Square was being developed. 

“We are incredibly proud of what we accomplished at Hatch,” said Peter Bearpark, asset management director at Bruntwood.

“It has been a success in terms of the vision we set out for it – supporting start-up businesses, allowing brands to experiment, grow and thrive, and creating a place for people to enjoy excellent food, drink and shopping.  

“It’s always hard to say goodbye to a site that we are proud of, but now is the right time for Stack to take it to the next stage in its development.”  

The post Bruntwood sells Hatch to STACK  appeared first on Place North West.

Known as Blackley Mere, the plot sits off Blackley New Road and was once home to the Bowker Bank industrial estate.

Bounded by the River Irk, the land benefits from extant planning permission from Manchester City Council for up to 76 three- to four-bedroom homes to be built there.

Blackley Developments purchased Blackley Mere for £775,000 in October 2015.

The developer was granted outline permission to deliver 48 properties in 2012, then a further 28 houses in 2014. Reserved matters approval followed for both schemes in 2016.

The site remains undeveloped.

This is what housing could look like on the site. Credit: Appeal PR

Edward Feather, associate director at property auctioneer Pugh, said: “This is an ideal location to develop family homes.

“The quiet riverside and woodland environment make it a really attractive setting for new houses that is only half a mile from the nearest Metrolink stop at Bowker Vale and just four miles from Manchester city centre”, he continued.

“It’s a fantastic investment opportunity and, not surprisingly, we’ve already seen considerable interest from potential buyers.”

Bidding commences on 19 September and closes on 20 September.

The post Manchester site with resi potential goes under the hammer appeared first on Place North West.

The chophouse chain has five restaurants currently, which are all in London. Planning documents submitted to Manchester City Council by the building’s owner Clearbell suggest that Blacklock is about to make Manchester the site of its first regional eatery. 

A planning statement prepared by Paul Butler Associates describes Blacklock as a “high-quality restaurant group…focussed on delivering incredible experiences for great value for money”. 

In addition, the group’s restaurants have been voted in the Top 100 restaurants in the UK across industry awards and guest review platforms, PBA said. 

Blacklock’s five restaurants in the capital include sites in the City, Shoreditch, and Covent Garden.  

The company’s Manchester restaurant forms part of Clearbell’s revitalisation of Freetrade Exchange. The investor has already refurbished the office space under plans approved last year. 

Under those refurb plans, the ground floor of the six-storey, 36,000 sq ft building was originally going to be a bar. 

Clearbell Strategic Trust acquired Freetrade Exchange in 2021 from CBREIM for around £10m.   

Blacklock is not the only meat-centric restaurant to look North from London and pick Manchester. Earlier this year, Flat Iron announced plans to open its first restaurant outside the capital on the corner of Deansgate and Quay Street in a unit that has been occupied by Blacks since 1997.   

Manchester’s central core is becoming something of a hub for London-based restaurants.  

In 2015, having established itself in the capital, Hawksmoor opened on Deansgate and In 2021, Place North West reported that Mayfair–founded, high-end Asian restaurant Sexy Fish was planning to take over the former Armani unit in Spinningfields.  

Chotto Matte, a Japanese-Peruvian venture, has also committed to opening its first regional site in Manchester – within the St Michael’s development, which is located next to Freetrade Exchange. 

AXI and Other Side are advising Blacklock on design and Paul Butler Associates is the planning consultant. Stephen Levrant Heritage Architecture is also advising on the scheme.

To learn more, search for reference number 137820/FO/2023 on Manchester City Council’s planning portal.

The post London chophouse chooses Manchester for first regional site  appeared first on Place North West.

Place North West is a well-known and respected in the property community for delivering top quality news and events. We recently launched two additional titles, Place Yorkshire and Place North East, to become the voice of property in the North.

Our events range from roundtables and private dinners to conferences and large social events, attracting business professionals from across the globe.

This is a fantastic and diverse role for an enthusiastic and energetic events professional to work on an exciting range of projects.

You will be joining a small and friendly team, with a passion for delivering quality content and events.

The role

You will assist in delivering in-person events, from conferences to large evening events including the popular 750-person Place Party.

You will be involved in all stages of event planning and delivery, making this a perfect opportunity to gain event experience in a business-to-business environment.

You will work closely with the editorial and commercial teams to ensure plans are integrated and delivered within budget, on time and to the highest standard.

Responsibilities include:

• Delegate management and handling general event queries
• Assisting with all pre-event logistics and administration
• Communicating with sponsors and speakers
• Working with suppliers eg venues, audio-visual companies, photographers
• Provide support onsite for live events, including set-up, managing the registration desk and de-rigging
• Assisting with marketing and event promotion to drive ticket sales, including social media and working with the production team on marketing material
• Representing the business at various industry networking events
• Maintaining databases including speaker and sales databases
• Updating the event app
• Ordering event and office supplies where needed
• Ad hoc tasks required by the business

The person

We are looking for someone with ambition, drive and a positive attitude, who is able to work to tight deadlines with a high degree of accuracy. The successful candidate will have a high level of pride in their work and will always be looking to improve.

Skills and experience required

• Graduate with a 2:1 or a 1st degree
• Practical event experience preferred
• Excellent communication skills – written and verbal
• Attention to detail
• Organisation, time management skills, and the ability to work on multiple projects at once
• Team player but able to work independently
• Good analytical skills for campaign monitoring and conducting post-event marketing analysis
• Flexibility, as evening work and early morning work will be required to deliver events

The package and benefits

• £20,000 – £22,000 salary per annum, dependant on experience
• 24 days holiday including 3 days off at Christmas, plus bank holidays
• Hybrid working possible
• Travel to work subsidy up to £1,000 a year
• Company matching pension scheme
• Company performance bonus
• Mobile phone covered
• Employee-owned business – benefit from influence in the business’s direction and income tax-free bonuses depending on the company’s performance. Note that employee-ownership does not require any financial contribution from you

Working hours are 8/8.30 – 4/4.30, Monday to Friday, with additional hours required as necessary for events.

To apply, send your CV and cover letter to laura@placenorth.co.uk

The post Event Assistant appeared first on Place North West.

Manchester City Council approved FEC’s two Red Bank-related applications at its planning committee meeting Thursday afternoon. The developer is working with the authority on the project, which zeroes in on 35 acres of brownfield set aside to become the future Red Bank district.

Also permitted were MSV’s £12m later living proposals for the former Chorlton Baths and Loreto College’s 24,000 sq ft extension.

The decisions to approve each of these applications were made in line with officer recommendations.

Land at Red Bank

Application number: 136812/OO/2023

The first of FEC’s applications has been granted outline permission. The scheme will see the delivery of up to 3,250 homes, a 210-place primary school, and 67,800 sq ft of commercial space.

Focusing on two areas within the Red Bank neighbourhood, Red Bank Plateau and Red Bank Viaduct, the scheme will also deliver a health centre measuring up to 35,000 sq ft.

Proposals for the project’s residential aspect feature 798 one-, 2,053 two-, and 399 three-bedroom homes. There will also be a 20% affordable housing provision, which equates to around 650 homes, subject to viability.

Given the site’s proximity to public transport, just a 12% parking provision will be delivered, along with 3,250 cycle spaces.

The developer estimates that this section of Red Bank will create 4,640 construction jobs a year for 10 years, with around 30% of those positions being taken by Manchester residents.

At the meeting, councillors raised concerns regarding the lack of social housing and school provision, however, the applicant affirmed that these are outline plans and detailed proposals will follow.

The project team for this scheme includes Hoare Lea, Counter Context, TEP, WSP, Schulze+Grassov, Optimised Environments, and Maccreanor Lavington.

FEC’s designs include a 34-storey tower. Credit: via Citypress

Land bounded by Dantzic Street

Application number: 136814/FO/2023

FEC’s second successful application revolves around seven residential buildings that will provide a total of 1,551 apartments and townhouses.

These towers will be set across seven acres bounded by Dantzic Street in Manchester and reach 34 storeys, 31 storeys, and 27 storeys at their tallest. Two of the towers will step up, going from eight storeys at their smallest to their respective tallest heights.

More than 60% of the approved residences will have two or three bedrooms, while the scheme will offer a 5% affordable housing provision. FEC hopes to increase the affordable housing figure to 20%, subject to funding.

Plans for the site go beyond just housing, with 20,000 sq ft of commercial space and a six-storey amenity block also included.

There will be 152 car parking spaces provided for residents and additional spaces for visitors, along with 1,551 cycle spaces.

It is hoped that work will start on site later this year, creating 1,800 construction jobs.

Hawkins\Brown, Maccreanor Lavington, Optimised Environments, and Schulze+Grassov worked together to design the project for FEC.

FEC’s scheme has a value of £330m, according to council papers.

Hilary Brett, project director at FEC, said: “Red Bank is one of the most under-used areas in Manchester, but its proximity to the city centre and the existing natural assets of the River Irk and St Catherine’s Wood make it the ideal location for a thriving new neighbourhood.

“We are delighted to have received approval and want to thank everyone who has been involved and supported the project to get us to this point.”

Cllr Gavin White, Manchester City Council’s executive member for housing and development, added: “It’s great to see the momentum continue for this part of the Victoria North programme.

“This area of the city centre has lain dormant for many years, and it should be cause for celebration that, through our partnership with FEC, we can ensure it meets its full potential”, he continued.

“Red Bank will be a new and exciting neighbourhood for our ever-growing city, and we look forward to implementing the next steps in the long-term journey of delivering Victoria North.”

• Read more about the Victoria North masterplan.

The homes will be aimed at over 55s. Credit: via Manchester City Council

Former Chorlton Leisure Centre

Application number: 136791/FO/2023

Manchester-based MSV Housing Group has secured the green light for its plans to transform the derelict leisure centre off Manchester Road into two five-storey later living housing blocks.

Approval comes two years after the housing group was selected by Manchester City Council to deliver a residential solution to the long-vacant site.

Designed by Buttress Architects, the scheme will deliver 50 one- and two-bedroom units for over-55s following the demolition of the existing leisure centre.

There will be seven apartments available for shared ownership, three will be neighbourhood apartments providing step-up accommodation, and the remaining 40 will be capped at the Manchester Living Rent. These are the first affordable homes to be delivered in Chorlton since 2015, according to the developer.

The development has been designed according to the Housing Our Ageing Population Panel principles. These principles include space and flexibility, as well as a focus on health and wellbeing so that occupants’ changing requirements will be met over time. There will be large balconies, increased light levels, and shared social spaces .

There will be 19 car parking spaces provided.

Charlie Norman, chief executive of MSV, said: “Our pledge to build age-appropriate homes for every stage in life remains as firm as ever, and ensuring an ageing population has a home that supports their lifestyle and health needs is absolutely a must.

“Chorlton and the surrounding area needs affordable homes to rent for its older citizens and we are proud to be the organisation that will deliver a highly sustainable development of the highest calibre and green credentials.”

David Coulson, associate at Buttress, added: “The design prioritizes wellness in the home and embraces people’s changing living requirements as they age.

“In addition, the plans for the site will create much-needed, highly sustainable, and affordable homes for local people within their existing community.”

The building has been vacant since the closure of the leisure centre in 2015. The centre’s facilities have since been replaced at Hough End.

The development was quickly passed at the meeting, with only small concerns raised regarding the small number of car parking spaces.

Work on the project is expected to complete in summer 2025 and will see an investment of over £12m.

Cllr Gavin White, Manchester City Council’s executive member for housing and development, said: “This is a welcome milestone on the transformation of this site, which has stood unused for a number of years.

“The project will deliver much-needed low-carbon, affordable housing for older people, helping to meet a clear need for this type of home in this neighbourhood.”

Stantec is the scheme’s planning consultant. Also on the project team are Stephen Martlew Landscape Architecture, Lally Tree Management, SK Transport Planning, Salford Archaeology, ERAP Consultant Ecologists, Carley Daines and Partners, and Azymuth Acoustics.

• Read more about the project.

The three-storey building will accommodate 3,558 students. Credit: via planning documents

Loreto College

Application number: 136963/FO/2023

Currently oversubscribed, Loreto Sixth Form College can now accommodate a further 264 students in a new 24,000 sq ft teaching block next to its existing campus off Chichester Road.

Loreto College currently enrols 3,558 students, of which 216 students are currently located in temporary classroom accommodation.

Designed by 10architect, the scheme will see the demolition of the former St Vincent’s probation centre to make way for the three-storey teaching block, which will front Moss Road West. The two-acre site is council-owned and has been vacant since 2021.

Plans for the facility feature an additional 20 classrooms, assembly space, a study centre, and staff rooms.

Loreto College was awarded a grant from the Department for Education last November to deliver the scheme.

Residents at the meeting raised concerns regarding poor traffic management and the pollution caused by school travel. The application was approved with a condition to create an active travel plan for the whole school site.

The project team includes Waterman Building Services, WML Consulting, Arbtech, Redmore Environmental, Hepworth Acoustics, and SK Transport Planning.

• Read more about the plans.

The post Manchester approves thousands of homes at huge meeting appeared first on Place North West.

Manchester City Council’s £47m capital funding package will be spent on delivering a host of improvements across the properties from 2024 to 2026. 

Work will include the installation of new bathrooms, and kitchens, as well as rewiring, fitting new doors and adapting homes for disabled residents.   

Of the near-£50m investment, £5m will be used to enhance safety across 12 high-rise blocks, including further investment in sprinkler systems and wider fire safety improvements including flat compartmentation, new fire doors, and better access routes. The city council did not disclose which blocks were up for refurbishment.  

In addition, £2m of the fund has been earmarked for essential adaptations, making sure the needs of residents with accessibility requirements are met and ensuring they can live in their homes independently for longer.   

Replacement boilers, ground or air source heat pumps, and solar panels will also be installed at some properties to improve their energy efficiency. 

The work is part of an ongoing commitment from the city council to ensure authority-owned homes meet decent homes standards and improve conditions for the city’s social housing tenants.  

Beginning in 2024, the city council’s housing services team will start to develop a five-year programme of home and estate improvements. This will be supported by a condition survey of all 12,500 city council-owned homes in the city which will help inform and prioritise any improvement works that are required.  

In July, the Manchester announced a £60m energy efficiency programme over the next two years, which will deliver upgrades to 2,100 Manchester homes as part of the city’s target to become net zero by 2038.   

“This is one of the biggest investments in council-owned homes in many years and is a clear commitment to our residents to deliver a social housing sector that our tenants can trust and homes they can be proud to live in,” said Cllr Gavin White, Manchester City Council’s executive member for housing and development. 

“We want to deliver the best possible service for social housing tenants, and we firmly believe that everyone in Manchester deserves a safe, secure and decent home.”   

He added: “Bringing the management of the social housing the council owns back in house was done to help continue with our focus on improving the management standards of our residents’ homes.  This move was also a commitment to delivering vital and further capital investment to improve the quality and standard of our homes and properties.” 

The post Manchester commits £47m to social housing improvements  appeared first on Place North West.

The German investor, which also owns Manchester’s 300,000 sq ft Rylands building, has bought the grade two-listed property from Commercial Estate Group on behalf of a pension fund manager from Hamburg.

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The two additional floors, taking the office block from 10 to 12 storeys, will see an additional 27,000 sq ft of gross internal floorspace added to the proposals. 

By increasing the size of its scheme, Morgan Capital and Toriview hope to take advantage of a lack of new-build Grade A space in Manchester. 

A planning statement prepared by Deloitte says that the supply of Grade A space in Manchester fell by 8% to 834,000 sq ft at the end of Q3 2022, prompting a need for more. 

In addition to attracting more tenants, the development team says expanding the project will have a positive impact on how it looks. 

Piercy & Company, the architect for the project, claim the additional floors make for a more “elegant and well-proportioned scheme”. 

Vinci Construction, which built Muse’s 520-home New Victoria build-to-rent scheme for PIC next door, has drafted a construction management plan for the scheme that suggests above-ground work on the office could begin in the final quarter of this year. 

The 12-storey scheme is four floors taller than the original office proposal for the site, developed by Muse and designed by Sheppard Robson. 

Morgan Capital bought the office plot from Muse for £60m in 2021 on behalf of Toriview, a private family office, and set about redesigning the scheme to make it more sustainable and to cater for changing occupier demands.  

Chroma is the project manager for the scheme and the project team also features Hollis, Sweco, AJP, Gardiner & Theobald, SCP, RLB, Ball and Berry, Fulcro, RBMP, Rachel Hacking Ecology and KM Heritage. 

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Last year, the two developers formed a 50/50 joint venture to deliver St Michael’s tower on land bounded by Jacksons Row, Bootle Street, Southmill Street, and 201 Deansgate.

Designed by Hodder + Partners, the scheme will feature five storeys of office accommodation and a five-star hotel spanning 10 floors that will be operated under the Marriott Group’s luxury W Hotel brand.

The Relentless and Salboy JV has lodged fresh plans to add another two storeys, taking the building’s height to 43 storeys. This increase will allow another 16 apartments to be built to create a total of 229 flats.

Approval would also see a small decrease in the office floorspace from 324,000 sq ft to 316,900 sq ft, as well as a small increase in spa floorspace from 197,000 sq ft to 200,000 sq ft.

The refreshed plans come while the project is already under construction, with contractor DOMIS starting work in April.

The hotel and residential tower makes up the second phase of the wider St Michael’s project.

The first phase will deliver offices and a rooftop restaurant. Main contractor Bowmer + Kirkland began work on the first phase last year, with construction expected to complete in 2024.

Zerum is the planning consultant for the scheme. Also on the project team are Stephen Levrant Heritage Architecture, WSP, Novo, Planit-IE, GTech, and ArcAero.

To learn more about the refreshed skyscraper plans, search for application number 137873/JO/2023 on Manchester City Council’s planning portal.

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Under the signed-off plans, the current Blackley Fire Station will be demolished and replaced with a modern two-storey structure.

This new building has been designed to be environmentally friendly, with sustainable heating and lighting systems installed. Harley Haddow is assisting with the energy efficiency designs.

In addition to a 9,700 sq ft new fire station, the project includes a training yard, training tower, wash area, and parking for 11 vehicles. Of those 11 car parking spaces, one will be a designated disabled bay and four will have electric vehicle charging capability.

Architect Bradshaw Gass & Hope designed the approved plans for GMCA. LK Group and Pennine Ecological are also on the project team. ISG is the main contractor.

In addition to Blackley, GMCA is looking to rebuild the Whitefield, Heywood, King Street, and Whitehill fire stations.

You can learn more about the Blackley project by searching 136722/FO/2023 on Manchester City Council’s planning portal.

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Cobden Rooms comprises 9,000 sq ft of event space in the front foyer of the venue, which was added in the most recent expansion project between 2007 and 2010. 

However, it is being scrapped in order to enhance the complex’s amenity offer, under plans lodged by Manchester Central. 

A Manchester Central spokesperson said: “Our customers are at the heart of everything we do and as such we are always looking for new ways to innovate and develop our space.
 
“We believe this transformation will enhance our visitor experience and provide delegates and exhibitors with a social environment to network and collaborate. The space will be open to members of the public throughout the day, introducing new audiences to Manchester Central and the varied programme of events we host.” 

The design and access statement submitted with the application says the scheme takes inspiration from the ground floor of Ducie Street Warehouse, an open plan venue that provides space for meetings as well as a restaurant and café. 

The reworked Cobden Rooms will be capable of operating in different configurations, “ranging from the entire space being combined with an event in the main hall, to the venue being largely closed but with the coffee shop remaining open to external customers only”, according to planning documents. 

As well as plans to repurpose the internal space, the proposals feature a discreet outdoor seating area, too. 

Up North Architects and Taylor Design Architects are advising Manchester Central on the proposals. To learn more, search for reference number 137413/FO/2023 on Manchester City Council’s planning portal.

Cobden Rooms was added in 2007. Credit: PNW

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Your role will be focused on creating engaging written content and managing social media for both inhouse and client projects.

About the company

Place North is a publishing house, producing three business publications for property professionals focusing on regions in the North: Place North West, Place North East and Place Yorkshire.

Our three digital publications are read by 300,000 engaged property professionals each month. As well as our online platforms and products, we hold popular events for the property industry, including conferences and socials attended by 100-700 people each.

Place is proud to be an employee-owned business, meaning staff have influence in the direction of the business and can benefit from income tax-free annual bonuses based on the performance of the business.

You would be joining a fast-paced operation where we are constantly striving to improve ourselves as individuals and as a media business.

About you

This role would suit an enthusiastic self-starter with experience in writing copy, social media, designing online campaigns and liaising with clients.

You will have a positive attitude, strong creative and communication skills and an aptitude for problem-solving.

A passion for the written word and extremely strong attention to detail are a must.

Based within the production team, but working with all the departments, your focus will be around written content.

Types of content you will be working on include market commentary, event promotions, social media posts, marketing materials, as well as working with our expert authors on our Insight platform to help them create impactful articles.

This role would suit someone with a background in written communications, such as journalism, PR, content production and marketing.

You will be based in our Manchester office for at least three days a week but can work from where you would like for two days a week, depending on the work that is booked in.

Responsibilities

• Manage the publications’ social media channels – promote sales opportunities, drive subscription and ensure consistent tone and joined-up message throughout different departments
• Managing client advertorial content – liaising with editorial team to ensure paid-for articles are high quality and managing client expectations
• Planning, designing and delivering online campaigns including direct email marketing and website advertising
• Some design work on banner adverts, flyers, event banners, exhibition stands
• Account management – working closely with clients to ensure they are happy and their objectives are met
• Use Google Analytics and other analytical software to assess the success of projects and produce client campaign reports
• Represent the business and grow your network at events and conferences
• Video production skills are an advantage – our team produce inhouse and client videos, including promotional videos, interviews and vox pops

Qualities and experience

• Excellent written and verbal English
• Able to produce engaging copy to a brief and under pressure
• Very strong eye for detail
• Comfortable working with people
• Experience in managing multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously
• Strong understanding and interest in social media
• Experience of working in a busy office environment
• Proficiency with creative software such as Adobe InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop
• Experience of delivering video an advantage
• Experience of delivering podcasts is an advantage

Excellent package including:

• Salary dependant on experience, circa £27,000 – £30,000
• 24 days holiday including 3 days off at Christmas, plus bank holidays
• Hybrid working possible
• Travel to work subsidy up to £1,000 a year
• Company matching pension scheme
• Company performance bonus
• Mobile phone covered
• Employee-owned business – benefit from influence in the business’s direction and income tax-free bonuses depending on the company’s performance. Note that employee-ownership does not require any financial contribution from you

Working hours are 8/8.30 – 4/4.30, Monday to Friday, with additional hours required as necessary for projects and events.

To apply, send your CV and cover letter, along with examples of content you have produced to kirsty@placenorth.co.uk

Place North West is a diverse equal opportunities employer.

The post Digital Content & Marketing Producer appeared first on Place North West.

Background

Our clients are well-respected and highly successful consultancies, and they are seeking experienced, enthusiastic and MRICS Qualified Rating Surveyors – Senior, Associate and Director level, to join their Manchester offices. The roles predominantly cover the whole Northwest market and where necessary, working in conjunction with other regional offices.

Responsibilities Include:

• Support the team plan to develop a client portfolio
• Maintain client relationships and act as liaison with clients on specific projects
• Support the team profile in the market
• Ensure professional advice is provided thoroughly, accurately and within set deadlines
• Deliver activities and projects within client expectations (e.g. time, quality)
• Work collaboratively to generate new instructions and pool expertise within the team
• Develop internal and external network for business pipeline/opportunities.
• Consult internally and externally to help identify optimum solutions for clients

Knowledge & Experience:

• General practice background for either a corporate, public sector or private practice (for more senior roles)
• Experience of working in a large practice and/or corporate environment could be advantageous
• Rounded experience of general surveying skills – not restricted to a narrow practice area
• An understanding of business development and client relationship management
• Demonstrable technical competence in areas relevant to role
• Demonstrable understanding of market and local knowledge
• Business and report writing experience

Person Specification/Requirements

• MRICS qualified and Registered Valuer preferable.
• 3-5 years’ post qualification experience.
• Proficient IT skills including Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook.
• Excellent communication skills both verbal and written, enabling the development of good relationships with both clients and colleagues.
• Highly numerate with the ability to grasp complex investment scenarios.
• Organised, focused and high attention to detail.
• Team player who deals effectively with colleagues and clients.
• Ability to work in fast paced dynamic environment.
• Passionate about the residential sector.
• Residential investment experience preferable but not essential.
• Role could suit a numerate surveyor looking to move from a commercial property background.
• Valid UK driving licence.

Qualifications:

• Degree level qualification
• Chartered Surveyor – MRICS

Salary and Benefits

• Salary: £45,000 to £75,000 per annum (D.O.E.)
• Car allowance (tbc)
• Performance related staff profit share scheme
• min. 26 days’ holiday, plus Bank Holidays and days at Christmas and New Year
• Pension scheme membership (after initial probationary period)
• Life/Accident Insurance
• Private Medical Cover
• And more…..

Our clients offer real scope for career development for dedicated, professional and enthusiastic individuals with a strong work ethic who wants to join true market leaders.

If you wish to apply for this position, please email your CV to andrew@kingsleyrecruitment.co.uk or call Andrew Kingsley on 07879 413 765 for further information.

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Progressive Living’s long-awaited scheme will see a narrow site off Gorton Street redeveloped into a 41-storey co-living tower, under proposals submitted to Salford City Council.  

The latest iteration of the scheme is five storeys taller than the scheme Progressive consulted on in 2021 and that is not the only change that has been made. 

In the works since before the pandemic, Progressive’s Gorton Street proposals were originally for a 36-storey tower with a 50/50 co-living and hotel split. 

However, market sentiment has prompted the developer to put all its eggs in the co-living basket, director David Fairclough told Place North West. 

“We have been working on proposals for this site for some time now and are excited to finally share this high-quality development,” Fairclough said. 

“We believe it will create a vibrant community through the array of communal spaces available to residents and promote wellbeing through its focus on lifestyle amenities. The scheme’s co-living offer will complement the mainly BTR tenure of adjacent towers in Greengate and bring a more affordable entry into city centre living.” 

Progressive said talks with a funding partner and co-living operator are at an advanced stage and that a start on site is planned for spring 2024. 

Fairclough added: “Currently being used as a surface-level car park, our vision for Gorton Street presents an opportunity to redevelop a forgotten pocket of land in a way that will positively contribute to Salford’s wider regeneration strategy for the Greengate area and deliver sought-after co-living accommodation that will provide quality, affordable places to live for young professionals.” 

Designed by BDP, the project would see the creation of a building given over solely to co-living, an emerging residential product that places an emphasis on shared amenities rather than private living space. 

The building includes four floors of amenity space that offer residents lounges, a cinema room, games room and makers space, communal cooking and dining areas, a gym and wellness centre, co-working spaces and meeting rooms.

In addition, a landscaped roof terrace and a sky bar will be accessible to residents on the 37th floor.

The railway arches located next to the tower would be repurposed into social and leisure units under separate plans currently being drawn up. 

To learn more, search for application reference 23/82208/FUL on the city council’s planning portal.  

The co-living concept is popular in cities and among graduates and is often seen as a stepping stone between student accommodation and build-to-rent. 

There are several large co-living developments under construction in Manchester including Downing’s 2,224-unit Square Gardens near First Street and two towers to be operated under Vita’s Union brand close to Factory International. 

The professional team for Progressive’s Gorton Street project also includes Zerum, Turley, Renaissance, Novo, Exterior Architecture, GIA, OFR, Our Studio, Hann Tucker, Our Studio and Hydrock. 

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