Developer and operator Downing has secured approval from the planning committee of Manchester City Council for its new co-living scheme at Manchester’s First Street, that it will build and ultimately manage.
The developer will build a ‘co-living neighbourhood’ at First Street spread across four residential blocks, including a 45 storey tower, providing more than 2,000 bedrooms split between a mix of accommodation types, ranging from private studios to five-bedroom apartments, as well as more conventional one and two bedroom apartments.
Downing believes the Manchester co-living development will appeal to key-workers, professionals and recent graduates working in Manchester city centre, and aims to start on site in early 2021.
Designed by architects SimpsonHaugh, the four towers will be clad in a striking glazed façade, with three of the blocks set at podium level.
A proposed public square sits within the heart of the scheme and Downing plans to plant more than 140 trees across the site as part of its proposals to create extensive public open space and enhance connectivity through the site towards the city centre.
Amenities on the ground floor will be open to the public and include a 3,000 sq. ft café and 14,000 sq. ft. gym, while extensive podium-level facilities will be reserved for residents. Shared amenities exclusive to residents will include co-working space, a resident’s club house, private dining, reception lounge and a roof terrace offering views over the city.
The proposals offer flexibility for residents in terms of mobility, allowing tenants to select or move from shorter to longer term accommodation options. All living options will include single monthly payments, inclusive of all bills and service costs to make moving in easy and straightforward to residents.
The developer believes that the concept and mix of apartment types will make the Manchester co-living development scheme more affordable and easily accessible to a wider range of people than what is currently available in the city centre.
