Great Places gets nod for second phase of Manchester resi scheme

Great Places secured planning approval this week to deliver the second phase of its Downley Drive scheme in Manchester city centre. Phase One, which received planning consent in 2021, saw the delivery of 23 townhouses. Phase two will comprise 52 flats in a five-storey building. The proposals include a mix of one- and two- bedroom flats for social rent alongside facilities at ground floor such as cycle store, refuse store, and plant room. There will also be a shared residents’ garden at the edge of the building. The scheme, designed by Buttress, sits alongside several other schemes which form the next phase of redevelopment of Back of Ancoats and New Islington. They include: Ancoats Dispensary, also being developed by Great Places; Eliza Yard and Plot C, being brought forward by Manchester Life Development; and Mobility Hub, an affordable housing site which will be delivered by Manchester City Council.  Plans to enhance Ancoats found broad support last year, with the city council agreeing to provide more than £30m of funding for the construction of some 1,500 homes and improvements to green space.  Deloitte advised Great Places on planning matters. Image © Buttress