Plans to build apartments and houses on a former Manchester Metropolitan Univeristy campus site in Didsbury have been submitted.
The main Administration building on the 17-acre site will be converted into 19 apartments and 12 houses by The PJ Livesey Group, specialists in recreating heritage sites.
And another Grade II listed building, the Chapel, will be turned into 10 luxury apartments. Three smaller listed buildings, The Lodge, 801 and 803 Wilmslow Road will be converted into three homes.
Plans for a new build block of seven apartments ranging from 2,081 sqft to a four bedroom 2,782sqft penthouse are afoot.
While proposals also include an outline application for a new primary school on the nearby Broomhurst Hall site.
PJ Livesey director James Woodmansee said it comes after consultation with the community and key stakeholders.
He also told the M.E.N. that the scheme further develops a regeneration framework drawn up by Manchester council for the 17 acre site following MMU’s move to Birley Fields.
“It is vitally important that we create the right kind of residential development that will not only enhance Didsbury but create a real choice for families wanting to live within Manchester,” he said.
“This is a large site with two distinctive heritage buildings and the new build homes will respect the location and provide a new level of accommodation for Didsbury.”
Bespoke builders PJ Livesey reveal high value homes plan in Didsbury village
In total there will be 93 new units, 49 of which will be new build properties ranging in size from 1,283 sq ft to 3,372 sq ft with an emphasis on outside space, high quality architecture and retention of trees.
HOW Planning advised on the application while Manchester based PJ Livesey also worked with Calderpeel Architects to draw up the scheme.
Conor Vallelly, principal planner at HOW Planning, said: “The PJ Livesey Group are specialists in recreating heritage sites and know how to get the balance right between conservation and a more contemporary approach to bespoke new build housing.
“Our extensive experience in this area allowed us to develop sensitive plans which will help them deliver an outstanding development.”
Harry Calder of Calderpeel added: “Calderpeel are proud to have worked closely with all the stakeholders and the local community to design and deliver high quality architecture which responds sympathetically to the locality and creates a strong sense of place.
“Our team brings its considerable expertise in the field of modern living to the project and the proposed new housing offers a range of properties that creatively respond to these challenges.”
John Cunningham, director of finance at MMU said: “It was important to the university that redevelopment of the former campus site is of the highest quality and we are very excited by the proposals put forward by the PJ Livesey Group.
“We believe they have enhanced and evolved the original brief and this scheme will deliver a lasting legacy to the area.”
The PJ Livesey Group was advised by law firm Slater Heelis. MMU was advised by DTZ and Addelshaw Goddard.
