Plans in for £19m mixed-use scheme on Manchester’s Rochdale Road

Plans have been submitted for a £19m mixed-use scheme on the north east edge of Manchester city centre.

Designed by architects Hodder+Partners, the project comprises 100 apartments and commercial space on Rochdale Road.

The site is currently home to developer Realty Estates, but the firm wants to demolish its existing office and replace it with a more modern building, part eight storeys and part 15 storeys.

Hodder+Partners said the location, at 25 Rochdale Road, is a pivotal area for its proximity to several strategically masterplanned zones and an important arterial route close to a major city centre gateway.

Matt Dawson, associate director at Hodder+Partners, said: “To develop 25 Rochdale Road will bring welcome activity and one and two bedroom residential units to an area that’s sorely underused.

“It’s a fantastic site and we believe our design plans knit together the NOMA masterplan and New Cross Development, and will act as a great vehicle to induce further investment.”

He continued: “Our proposals will also deliver quality, purpose-built residential accommodation, close to the city centre and with good access to transport links.

“Our design aims to stitch together a variety of building heights in the immediate vicinity as well as add to the recent high-quality architecture in the area.”

Manchester City Council’s planning committee is expected to reach a decision on the proposals, which include 100 secure indoor cycle spaces and 18 car parking spaces, by October.

Stephen Hodder MBE, who founded Hodder Associates in 1983, said the project comes at an exciting time for the company.

He commented: “25 Rochdale Road is an interesting project and one we have enjoyed working with Realty Estates on.

“Increasing the provision of high-quality residential accommodation in the area will be vital in ensuring economic growth and promotion of innovation, not only in the immediate vicinity but within the city as a whole.”