Muse submits plans for £185m New Victoria development

Regeneration firm Muse Developments and transport operator Network Rail have submitted plans for a £185m mixed-use development next to Manchester’s recently revamped Victoria Station.

A masterplan for the 2.5-acre Corporation Street site, to be known as New Victoria, proposes the construction of an eight-storey, 150,000 sq ft office block and two residential buildings of 20 and 25 storeys.

Together, the residential towers will create 520 one-, two- and three-bedroom homes, in addition to a new gym, residents’ lounge, cycle storage facility and rooftop garden.

Muse is working alongside Network Rail and Manchester City Council to make sure the scheme fits in with the adjoining new developments, which includes Network Rail’s £44m redeveloped Victoria Station.

David Burkinshaw, Muse’s development director, said: “This is an exciting time for this area of Manchester as a number of key developments are now coming to fruition.

“New Victoria presents a unique opportunity to deliver a landmark development next to the city centre’s prime leisure and retail attractions and one of the North West’s main transport hubs.”

He added: “New Victoria offers an unparalleled location and an outstanding development opportunity.”

Now, Muse is working with Manchester-based engineering consultancy Arup and architects Sheppard Robson to create detailed design proposals for the development. Professional services firm Deloitte, meanwhile, has provided support on preparing the detailed planning application.

Network Rail’s head of residential, Tim Dickinson, commented: “Network Rail’s £44m investment at Manchester Victoria station has clearly provided a major catalyst for wider regeneration in the city, delivering much-needed jobs, homes and development opportunities.

“This deal with Muse will support Network Rail’s commitment to unlock land for housing while generating income to be reinvested back into the railway.”

Stephen Hogg, lead director of property services company JLL, which is also involved in the scheme, said he believes the scheme’s location is “unrivalled” given its proximity to Victoria Station and various retail hubs, including nearby Harvey Nichols and Selfridges.

He continued: “New Victoria is located directly adjacent to the newly refurbished and re-opened Victoria Station and the network links this then provides.

“This, coupled with the fact that it will be brought forward by Muse, which has a strong track record of delivering mixed use developments across the UK, makes this scheme one of the best outside of London.”