The next phase of the Ancoats regeneration in Manchester is set to go ahead after securing unanimous approval from the local council this week.
The move follows the planning inspector’s recommendation to approve the development.
The scheme, known as Phoenix Ironworks, will be delivered by Manchester Life Development Company. It will sit on a two-acre brownfield site and provide 256 homes alongside 14,500 sq ft of ground-floor commercial facilities.
The existing hardstanding and warehousing facilities will be replaced with a range of five to 10-storey townhouses, providing one-, two- and three-bedroom homes to cater for a variety of occupants, along with outdoor green amenity space.
The development also features artisan makers studios within small facilities in the central courtyard and large makers space in a rebuild of the garages on site.
On one side of the courtyard the developer has proposed to create a hard landscaped space with planting and seating. This space is designed to be used as a spill-out space for the makers that can be adapted for different activities and events.
Deloitte acted as the planning agent for Manchester Life.
Katie Wray, director of real assets advisory at Deloitte, said: “This proposed development will be key to placemaking in the Poland Street zone, providing spaces for creative industries to thrive and animate the area, as well as reflecting the existing built form on site.
“The site has responded positively to consultation throughout the development process and will deliver a development providing residential, commercial and creative space to support the neighbourhood of Ancoats and beyond.”
Manchester Life expects to start construction work on site in 2024.
Phoenix Ironworks forms part of the wider residential-led development around Poland Street. The masterplan comprises seven sites being brought forward by three landowners, delivering 700 homes alongside the mobility hub.
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.
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