London-based Raven Group will shortly submit a planning application for the redevelopment of the Stockport Infirmary site in Greater Manchester. The application will place emphasis on hotel rather than office development.
The Inland Revenue had indicated the site was its preferred choice for a new PFI-run Manchester office. But sources close to Raven say the developer has lost patience with the Department after four months waiting to hear whether it was still interested in the site.
Instead, Raven Group will be looking to build a 90 bedroom hotel. The developer claims three operators have already expressed interest in the scheme. The new plans also include 5,574 sq m (60,000 sq ft) of conference and leisure facilities, 836 sq m (9,000 sq ft) for a pub-diner, 1,579 sq m (17,000 sq ft) of student accommodation, and a multi-storey car park.
Churston Heard and Matthews & Goodman are advising the Raven Group.
EGi News 26/11/96
