London architect EDAW has won the Manchester International Urban Design Competiton to remodel the city centre following the IRA bomb blast last June.
Key to EDAW’s plan is a refit of the entire Arndale Shopping Centre. This will include the creation of the Arndale Wintergarden by remodelling Cannon Street. Overall Manchester will receive an additional 46,450 sq m (500,000 sq ft) of retail floorspace.
Marks & Spencer will remain at the junction of Cross Street and St Mary’s Gate. There will be a new retail development to the east of New Cathedral Street (formerly Shambles Square) and a refurbished Corn Exchange.
The submission also includes the development of a 30-screen cinema, a virtual reality theme park, themed restaurants and a nightclub which will be known as the Trocadero. The complex will be built behind the facade of the Maxwell House building in Withy Grove.
The plan also includes the Manchester Millennium Centre on the site of the Fennel Street NCP car park, consisting of a 1,000-seat theatre, two art cinemas, a “21st Century Library”, a Gallery of Contemporary Art and associated restaurants, cafes and bars.
A spokeswoman for Manchester Council said work should start early in the New Year.
EGi News 06/11/96
