The report of the Director of Planning, Building Control and Licensing is enclosed.

This application relates to the erection of four buildings ranging from 10 to 45 storeys linked by areas of public realm and private amenity space. 2 of the buildings would sit on a podium. The gas main on Newcastle Street has informed the layout and distribution of the buildings. Block A would be 10 storeys at the corner of Hulme Street and Wilmott Street and step up to 18 storeys and then 22 storeys along Hulme Street. (70.6m high). Block B would step from 18 storeys to 22 storeys and then to 26 at the corner of Chester Street and Wilmott Street (82.3m high). Block C would be 17 storeys fronting Mancunian Way and step down to 13 and then 10 storeys into the heart of the site (52.3m high). Block D would be a 45 storey tower (138.9m high).

The development would contain 1349 units with 609 apartments (284 one bed, 112 two bed, 89 three bed, 46 four bed, 78 five bed) and 875 studios. The studios would include 30 super, 23 deluxe, 240 premium, 309 standard and 273 compact units (2224 bed spaces total). Communal amenity facilities would include a cinema, co-working space, health and well-being facilities, café, a communal kitchen and dining area and a resident’s lounge. The development would be run as a single operation but each building would have a separate entrance with a reception & management offices.

Blocks A and B would contain a café, double height health and wellbeing space, bike store, plant,  bin store, substation, laundry and management suite; Ground and First floor shared amenity areas (lounge/ kitchen/ dining) ( 5,562 sq.m  and external private terrace and garden areas (2,470m2).

Block C would have amenity space, bike store, plant, substation, bin store and management suite; Ground and First floor shared amenity areas (1,157 sq.m) (lounge/ kitchen/ dining).

Block D would have a bike store, plant, substation, car park, management suite and bin store; first floor and ‘sky lounge’ (44th floor) amenity areas (lounge/ kitchen/ dining) (3,146 (GEA) sq.m) and external first floor and external private terrace and garden areas (1636m2).

The applicants consider that shared amenity space in centralised zones would encourage more social interaction than space on individual floors. It would also interact with the external green spaces.

For the purposes of this Report a ‘unit’ is a room within an apartment and a ‘studio’ is a self-contained single occupancy unit. Just over 10% (149 units) of the shared-living rooms / studios would be fully accessible or adaptable. The proposed wide range of accommodation types would provide a range of options that people could move around in according to their current life circumstances.

All accommodation would be fully furnished and bills would be with all-inclusive and cover rent, resident relations, concierge, superfast internet, all utilities and taxes, daily events and gym membership in one monthly payment’ Unlike mainstream residential accommodation, large deposits would not be required. All residents would have access to the communal facilities and external amenity spaces and have a private bathroom and cooking facilities within their own accommodation.

The applicants have stated that Co-living accommodation aims to provide accommodation at a lower price point than more established models such as Private Rental Sector (PRS). The rent for around a quarter of the units would equate to median salary figures for those who obtained first degree qualifications and entered full-time paid work. The price point would be accessible to a range of incomes and deliver cost-effective living options which could be attractive to key workers.  The all-inclusive bills should represent a saving over comparable rental accommodation. The reduction or removal of travel costs due to the accessible city centre location should further reduce overall outgoings.

1349 bedspaces would be in accommodation which would comply with the closest applicable National Described Space Standards and Manchester Space Standards. 396 apartments/508 bedspaces would be a mix of 1 and 2 bedroom units some with ensuite bathrooms. 213 apartments/841 bedspaces would be 3 to 5 bed units each with en-suite rooms and shared lounge spaces and kitchens. 

The applicant’s agent attended the meeting and addressed the Committee.

The Chair invited the Committee to comment and ask questions.

It was proposed that there be a site visit for the reason that it would be helpful for the Committee to see the site and adjacent areas and the impact on listed buildings at Cambridge Mill and MacInntosh Mill. That was voted upon and carried.

Decision

To defer consideration of the matter to allow a site visit to be carried out by the members of the Committee.

(Councillor Riasat left the meeting.)