The Great Northern Warehouse, located on the corner of Peter Street and Deansgate, is set for a complete re-design, one which will see the demolition of the oft-derided 90s ‘annexe’ addition (that houses the cinema) and the creation of 750 homes across three buildings, including a 32-storey tower.
The fresh vision for the site, designed by SimpsonHaugh Architects, will see the 90s addition pulled down, to be replaced by three residential buildings of 112m, 92m and 52m tall.
The historic warehouse itself will be refurbished into “beautiful offices, stripping away the modern additions and letting the stunning architecture shine through” – a change from the original iteration which sought its conversion into apartments.
In addition to the new buildings, the plans include considerable landscaping on the square that fronts the warehouse, turning it into a “green oasis, a park in the city“.
The rear of the building will be stripped away to reveal the steel structure, creating pedestrian routes which encourage movement through the site and better connections to the wider city centre, including more spaces for community activity and greenery.
This will also include improved accessibility to Deansgate Mews, making the space more welcoming and comfortable and creating more spaces that help independent shops and cafes start up there and thrive.
There’ll also be the creation of a new walkway, called Alport Street, from Deansgate to Watson Street, allowing pedestrians to cross from east to west for the first time at ground floor level. The street will be animated with activity, art and lighting at different times of day. Also, improved activation of the Watson Street frontage will improve pedestrian connections from Castlefield to the rest of the city centre.
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Subject to planning approval, construction is expected to start late in 2023. The consultation documents and plans can be viewed here…
