St Michaels Tower, Manchester
In August 2017, the St. Michael’s Partnership, led by former-footballer Gary Neville, submitted revised plans and opened a public consultation for a proposed £200 million St. Michael’s development in Manchester. In June 2018, the project was given the green light to go ahead after the consortium of investors were told that it would not be called in by the Secretary of State.
Plans for the 1.5-acre Jackson’s Row site in the city centre include a 134 m-tall mixed-use tower designed by Hodder + Partners, containing offices, 170 flats and a 200-bedroom hotel.
Earlier proposals, which involved two towers, were heavily criticised by heritage groups who argued that they threatened to ruin historic parts of Manchester as well as the skyline.
The latest proposals include:
- Retaining the Sir Ralph Abercromby pub in recognition of its community importance.
- Retaining the façade of the former Bootle Street police station which ‘contributes positively to its surroundings’.
- A 2m lower tower.
- Rotating the tower by 90-degrees, making it more slender and ‘less obtrusive’.
- A commitment to build a new synagogue, with the support of its congregation.
The new St. Michael’s tower is designed in a lozenge shape with a floating canopy at its crown, supported by a three-storey colonnade to residential space below. The new designs include extensive glazing and a bronze façade which, it is claimed, ‘bring a lighter, more transparent approach than the original tower design’.
There is no timetable for construction works, but it is expected to take three years. Construction will be carried out by Chinese contractor Beijing Construction Engineering Group.
Neville said; “We are delighted that the Secretary of State has decided to not call in our revised plans for St Michael’s and that the vision for this landmark mixed-use scheme will be realised. It’s been more than a decade since the idea to regenerate a strategic city centre location was first considered – and our whole team is very pleased that we can focus on delivering this project for Manchester, bringing new high-quality development that will enhance the city’s position both nationally and internationally.”
Content and images courtesy of St. Michael’s Partnership.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
The 5 elements of seiri, seiton, seiso, seiketsu and shitsuke.
Shading for housing, a design guide
A look back at embedding a new culture of shading.
The Architectural Technology Awards
The AT Awards 2025 are open for entries!
ECA Blueprint for Electrification
The 'mosaic of interconnected challenges' and how to deliver the UK’s Transition to Clean Power.
Grenfell Tower Principal Contractor Award notice
Tower repair and maintenance contractor announced as demolition contractor.
Passivhaus social homes benefit from heat pump service
Sixteen new homes designed and built to achieve Passivhaus constructed in Dumfries & Galloway.
CABE Publishes Results of 2025 Building Control Survey
Concern over lack of understanding of how roles have changed since the introduction of the BSA 2022.
British Architectural Sculpture 1851-1951
A rich heritage of decorative and figurative sculpture. Book review.
A programme to tackle the lack of diversity.
Independent Building Control review panel
Five members of the newly established, Grenfell Tower Inquiry recommended, panel appointed.
Welsh Recharging Electrical Skills Charter progresses
ECA progressing on the ‘asks’ of the Recharging Electrical Skills Charter at the Senedd in Wales.
A brief history from 1890s to 2020s.
CIOB and CORBON combine forces
To elevate professional standards in Nigeria’s construction industry.
Amendment to the GB Energy Bill welcomed by ECA
Move prevents nationally-owned energy company from investing in solar panels produced by modern slavery.
Gregor Harvie argues that AI is state-sanctioned theft of IP.
Experimental AI housing target help for councils
Experimental AI could help councils meet housing targets by digitising records.
BSRIA Occupant Wellbeing survey BOW
Occupant satisfaction and wellbeing tool inc. physical environment, indoor facilities, functionality and accessibility.