Manchester council is preparing for a major transformation of a key site in the Northern Quarter. The city's leadership is seeking proposals from developers to redevelop the Church Street multi-storey car park into a ‘landmark development’ featuring a new public square.
While the 685-space facility currently serves residents and visitors seven days a week, offering parking permits via the town hall, municipal authorities deem the structure ‘surplus’, saying it is a magnet for anti-social behaviour and is unsuitable for the area. .
Coun Bev Craig, Manchester City Council's leader, envisions a 'world-class' future for the site, saying: "This is a unique opportunity to deliver a landmark redevelopment of this site and deliver a project that will transform this part of our city centre through a world-class, mixed-use development - including exemplary public realm."
She added: "Our Northern Quarter is proudly and fiercely independent and we would expect proposals to understand intimately the context of the neighbourhood and present plans that pay homage to the history and heritage of the area to support the next generation of independent businesses to thrive."
In tribute to its historical roots, the new development will adopt the name St Paul’s, echoing the church that once graced the location, reports .
The council has outlined its vision for the 1.54-acre site, emphasising that any development should be welcoming, ambitious, and boast 'world-class architectural quality', while honouring the heritage and individuality of the Northern Quarter. The town hall is eager to see the area revitalised with a 'highly-sustainable development' that could encompass a blend of new homes, businesses, and a public square.
Officials are keen for the project to 'complement and enhance' the existing Northern Quarter, as well as align with the local authority's economic, housing, and environmental goals. The initiative is also seen as a potential solution to the anti-social behaviour issues that have affected the vicinity in recent times.
City leaders are advocating for the scheme to encourage 'active travel over car use' within the city centre. Coun Craig stated: "The Church Street car park has for some time felt out of step with its surroundings, detracting from the wider area both in look and feel, and in the way the current building layout attracts anti-social behaviour.
"A multi storey car park is also inappropriate in the heart of our city, and we expect this development to support a people-first approach that actively promotes public transport and active travel over car use. We look forward to seeing ambitious proposals that will enhance our world-famous Northern Quarter and support the continued success of our city centre."
It is believed that those with parking permits who may be impacted by any future plans will be contacted by the council. Property company CBRE is overseeing an invitation to tender process on behalf of the council, with a deadline for proposals set for 1pm on February 12 next year.
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