Proposals to build a 1,840-bedroom student block, new public squares, and a variety of community facilities have been met with a backlash from local residents in Ardwick and Brunswick.
The plans, dreamed up by a consortium of developers — Property Alliance Group, McLaren Property, Moda Living and Kadans Science Partner — also include a life science workspace, 150 new trees, and an improved Gartside Gardens. Currently, they are out for public consultation.
However, a group of residents in Brunswick — the area sandwiched between Ardwick, Upper Brook Street, and Mancunian Way — have banded together to oppose the plans. They are particularly concerned about a 42-storey tower in the project, prompting them to adopt the slogan ‘Stop The Monster’.
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“I would like to think the development would be something positive, not just for Manchester as a city, but for the residents as well,” said Olga Asma, who has called Brunswick home since 2007. “However, I cannot see it in the current proposal, because of the height and sheer size of the buildings. I am personally against inviting 1,800 students into such a small residential area.
“We have a very small park, Gartside Gardens. We do not have enough space to accommodate the 1000s which will include office workers and students.
“It is all about strategic framework, fancy development, fancy words, rather than thinking about people who already live here.”
Her view was shared by Jamil Keaton, who added: “There is a disgusting poster all down Oxford Road which has the word Ancoats crossed out and Ardwick underneath. On their website, they say Ardwick is a new up and coming development, not a community who have lived here for generations.”
It’s not just residents who are up in arms over the decision. Coun Amna Abdullatif, who represents the Ardwick ward, said: “I think it is really great to see so many of the local residents coming out.
“This is a really big issue in the area and when we have this type of construction interest in the area, it's really important that residents come out and say and be heard.
“I have been very honest and blunt with the developers and operators of this site and with the council. As a councillor, I cannot support this as I need to stand with the residents here in terms of what I have been told, not only on the doorstep, but also by email, by phone and at the consultation meeting that we have had.
“That is my position at the moment. I hope that the second consultation is actually a proper space to listen to residents and not just for show.”
Manchester City Council’s executive member for housing and development, Coun Gavin White, said the area has been ‘in need of investment for some time’, but encouraged locals to have their say. He explained: "These are important strategic sites on the border of Ardwick and Brunswick that have been in need of investment for some time. However, the proposals remain subject to ongoing consultation and we would urge local people take part to ensure their voices are heard ahead of any future planning applications."
And a spokesperson for the developers’ consortium rejected suggestions it had not listened to feedback from the first wave of consultation. In a statement, they said: “The consortium has made significant progress in consulting widely with key stakeholders and the local community, and the feedback from the first round of consultation in March was that over half of the respondents supported the emerging proposals.
“Changes have been made in response to local people’s requests with the inclusion of a multi-functional community hub, a medical facility, a convenience store, new play spaces with almost three acres of new public realm and open space, new pedestrian crossings on Upper Brook Street and a commitment to help the local community upgrade and enhance the sports and recreational offer within Gartside Gardens. 5,800 new jobs will also be created with advanced discussions already underway with Job Centre Plus and the established local Works Growth Company to provide a wealth of job opportunities including apprenticeships for local people.
“The City Council has identified the site for life sciences and student accommodation, and its redevelopment for these uses is recognised as a key priority as part of the continued future growth of the Oxford Road Corridor which is of city-wide importance. The tallest building in the masterplan has been located to the north of the site close to the elevated Mancunian Way in line with adopted guidance which allows reduced massing elsewhere in more sensitive locations.
“Manchester is one of the leading places in the world for innovation and the proposals to regenerate these derelict sites for their allocated uses have been carefully designed to support this innovation strategy in addition to providing wide ranging community benefits which will be delivered within the early stages of development.”
Plans can be viewed online from May 24, 2023.
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