Loreto and Aquinas colleges set out growth plans 

Loreto in Manchester and Aquinas in Stockport are seeking to make use of vacant sites to expand their operations by creating new teaching spaces. 

Loreto College  

Located in Hulme, the college wants to redevelop a 2.2-acre site fronting Moss Road West that is currently occupied by a vacant former probation centre. 

The scheme, designed by 10architect, would see the vacant low-rise building knocked down and replaced by a 24,000 sq ft building providing 20 classrooms across three floors. 

Loreto has submitted a funding bid to support the development. If the bid is unsuccessful, the scheme will be scaled back, providing a 20,000 sq ft block with 14 classrooms. 

To learn more about the project, search for planning reference 136963/FO/2023 on Manchester City Council’s planning portal. 

On a nearby site over the border in Trafford, Trafford Housing Trust is seeking consent to build 161 homes off Bold Street. 

Aquinas College 

The scheme would provide an additional 10 classrooms. Credit: via planning documents

Aquinas College wants to bring a patch of land back into use by building a 13,000 sq ft block featuring 10 classrooms on it. 

The facility would be constructed on part of a grassed area immediately east of the main college building off Nangreave Road. 

The site was previously occupied by the college’s main building, which was demolished in 2008 ahead of the construction of the modern campus. 

Seven Architecture has designed the latest phase of the college’s evolution. 

To learn more about the project, search for planning reference DC/088758 on Stockport Council’s planning portal.