Finally a use for the grand old City Buildings, along with construction of an adjoined rotund friend. A 4-star international Hotel Indigo featuring a Marco Pierre White finery eatery.

http://www.manchesterconfidential.co.uk/i/CD0/2IF9_H.jpg

http://m.gmgrd.co.uk/res/436.$plit/C_71_article_1458242_image_list_image_list_item_5_image.jpg?08%2F09%2F2011%2009%3A01%3A07%3A357

A development part of the NOMA redevelopment initiative, brought to you by the Co-operative Group.

http://m.gmgrd.co.uk/res/125.$plit/C_71_article_1458242_image_list_image_list_item_1_image.jpg?08%2F09%2F2011%2009%3A01%3A07%3A357

http://www.sanguinehospitality.com/construction/images/indigo-manchester-city-buil.jpg

Take an exclusive peek inside the luxurious interior.
http://www.28dayslater.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=26177

Is everyone at ease with a 'circular' tower/hotel on this site? A bit of a novelty in Manchester, so I'm assuming most people like the idea/plans?

Good with me. Manchester, in such a small space, has some of the most unique and diverse shaped buildings in all of the land. And this will only contribute to it.

I know some people on here have concerns about 28 days later peeps, but the photos inside the City Building are both amazing and distressing. The shot of Urbis is a particular good juxtaposition. But, the fact that the place is already being used as a "hotel" for the homeless is a bit distressing. Everybody knows the city has an underside, but rarely do you see it in such graphic detail like these photos show [shudder].

Less than ideal if you ask me.. something conforming to the plot would blend in better with City Buildings. Also seems a bit wasteful of space on such a small space. But preferable to another prefab Travelodge at least!

http://m.gmgrd.co.uk/res/125.$plit/C_71_article_1458242_image_list_image_list_item_1_image.jpg?08%2F09%2F2011%2009%3A01%3A07%3A357
Add the new roof to the station, and new Chethams, and it will sit next to them just nicely imo.

It's going to make for a wacky walk north with all these strangely-shaped buildings. Should be interesting.

Hopefully they'll be aiming at their something akin to their Brooklyn development:

http://ny.curbed.com/uploads/2007_11_IndigoHotel.jpg

rather than this eyesore in Buffalo:

http://media-cdn.tripadvisor.com/media/photo-s/01/28/41/0d/the-indigo-hotel-amherst.jpg

I am delighted to hear this.

Of course the anarcho-symmetrist in me would prefer some sympathic to the nearby buildings, but it's already a pick n mix in that district,so I doubt it can be done.

I can't remember if I included city buildings in my eyesores if Manchester thread, but this is one of the top boys.

The planning application is in.


The City Building Site Land Bounded By Corporation Street, Todd Street, Haliwell Street And Long Millgate

Erection of 14 storey building above lower ground floor and refurbishment and restoration of City Buildings to create hotel accommodation above associated bar and restaurant (Class C1) with ancillary basement accommodation (City Buildings) and ground floor space for Class A1 (Shop) and Class A2 (Financial and Professional Services) Use and associated works to adjacent pavements and to facilitate the servicing of the building, following demolition of 40-44 Long Millgate.

http://pa.manchester.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=summary&keyVal=LSY6Q7BC04200

No documents online yet

Cool.
Is it only me that would be really pleased to see Long Millgate between Todd Street and Corporation Street re-instated as a proper street? Get rid of the surface car park by Victoria and open the area up to public realm, build on both sides of Millgate. Nice little development area I think.

Fantastic!

Can't wait for this to be built.

This, a refurbed Victoria Station, and a new Chets school. :) That just leaves Fish Dock.

Docs are up now, and there's a fair few of them too.

http://www.publicaccess.manchester.gov.uk/associateddocs/MCCList1.aspx?097570/FO/2011/C1

I hope the rounded facade will be more akin to the Holloway Circus Tower in brum rather than that of our Peninsula building

Docs are up now, and there's a fair few of them too.

http://www.publicaccess.manchester.gov.uk/associateddocs/MCCList1.aspx?097570/FO/2011/C1

Elevations

http://img534.imageshack.us/img534/5459/hotelindigocorporationt.jpg

http://img267.imageshack.us/img267/7821/hotelindigocorporations.jpg

http://img51.imageshack.us/img51/7388/hotelindigolongmillgate.jpg

http://img823.imageshack.us/img823/5314/hotelindigotoddstreet.jpg

http://img804.imageshack.us/img804/3461/hotelindigoelevationcon.jpg

Floor Plans

http://img253.imageshack.us/img253/4462/hotelindigofloorplan1.jpg

http://img855.imageshack.us/img855/5474/hotelindigofloorplan2.jpg

Render

http://img225.imageshack.us/img225/9971/hotelindigo1.jpg

http://img52.imageshack.us/img52/4913/hotelindigo2.jpg

http://img402.imageshack.us/img402/9851/hotelindigo3.jpg

http://img528.imageshack.us/img528/5433/hotelindigo4.jpg

http://img851.imageshack.us/img851/8223/hotelindigo5.jpg

http://img9.imageshack.us/img9/290/hotelindigo6.jpg

http://img802.imageshack.us/img802/6529/hotelindigo7.jpg

http://img708.imageshack.us/img708/7050/hotelindigo8.jpg

Now that is rather good.

Now that is rather good.

Agreed

That gets my thumbs up!

Thanks for posting up the elevations and plans Flange - I couldn't get the link to work.

I like! It's like a miniature Gravity Tower!

I like. Was hoping for some green glass like the Urbis, but its a good proposal.
http://m.gmgrd.co.uk/res/436.$plit/C_71_article_1458242_image_list_image_list_item_5_image.jpg?08%2F09%2F2011%2009%3A01%3A07%3A357

Yep! Look really good from every angle, fits in well with Victoria Station and tidies up those derelict buildings. What's not to like? Certainly a huge plus in these times.

Not sure TBH. It's certainly a novelty.(circular) What's with the vertical section of the building/cladding? Cladding is a bit fussy as well. Looks a bit Piccadilly Place to me. Still better then what's there now.

Really???? Am I the only one who see's Belvedere in this? This looks totally mediocre!


http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u180/markydeedroppics/City%20Centre%202009/011-2.jpg

Hmm I'm not sure if I'm keen... Almost looks a bit dated to me.

I agree with the sentiment that we should looking to reinstate Long Millgate - this plan proposes the opposite, demolishing a historic school building of 1835, which hugs the medieval street, and in its place instating an anti-urban 1 storey podium. It's really horrible.

After looking at it a second time, I still like the shape, but hate the colour and as kids says, the podium thing at the bottom looks shite. It should be cylindrical all the way to the ground. Bet thats the Marco Pierre White restaurant.

Who’s the designer? Doesn’t the style of the building in some way need t reflect the other NOMA developments. ie Coop HQ

After looking at it a second time, I still like the shape, but hate the colour and as kids says, the podium thing at the bottom looks shite. It should be cylindrical all the way to the ground. Bet thats the Marco Pierre White restaurant.

Who’s the designer? Doesn’t the style of the building in some way need t reflect the other NOMA developments. ie Coop HQ

Actually the Marco Pierre White restaurant is in the actual City Buildings, the new podium building is being used mostly for a retail unit, capitalizing on the passengers coming out of Victoria I suppose. The architects are 3DReid, the same architect as the new Co-Op HQ.

Floor Plans

http://img253.imageshack.us/img253/4462/hotelindigofloorplan1.jpg

The sooner this starts the better , its been an absolute disgrace around that part of the city for to long , i would love to see something built on the surface carpark further up Corporation St to finish the street scape off .

Pleased with this though :)

Yep, agreed.

Will really add something to this part of the city centre, which up until recently has been too often neglected.

Will really add something to this part of the city centre, which up until recently has been too often neglected.

....its been an absolute disgrace around that part of the city for too long

Exactly right. I was expecting this to happen soon after Urbis & Cathedral Gardens was fininshed, even if it just meant tidying up the existing buildings and that was over ten years ago!

I'm delighted that something will finally get done here and whilst I also look forwardt o the next stage as Highriser said, this part is most important as the pedestrian flow to & from Victoria Station directly passes this mess, as is.

It all ties in nicely with the Victoria Station and Chetham's refurb for this part of the city centre. Beyond this, projects such as NoMa IMHO are expanding the established lines of the developed city centre.

I agree with the sentiment that we should looking to reinstate Long Millgate - this plan proposes the opposite, demolishing a historic school building of 1835, which hugs the medieval street, and in its place instating an anti-urban 1 storey podium. It's really horrible.

agree its a pity to lose the girls school building; but I can't see how it could be retained while allowing the site to be developed.

Not good conservation practice; but maybe the school facade could be moved diagonally across Long Millgate to sit alongside the 1990s Chets accommodation block. Perhps fronting a pub on that scabby corner of land there.

Everyone is loving this because the site has been neglected for so long. If this was being built somewhere else everyone would be saying what a mundane crappy building it actually is.

Everyone is loving this because the site has been neglected for so long. If this was being built somewhere else everyone would be saying what a mundane crappy building it actually is.

I wouldn't say that it's either mundane, or crappy, but maybe it is getting extra marks based on a previously neglected location, the economic circumstances and the fact that it is at least partially retaining the older building that the are there, but there's no reason why it shouldn't IMO.

It's a nice addition, and it'll do wonders for the location it's going... not going to contribute to the skyline by any means, but I'm sure it'll create a cool streetscape when you leave a (hopefully refurbished) Victoria station, to see CIS, Co-op, this, Urbis etc.. definately a gateway.

Everyone is loving this because the site has been neglected for so long. If this was being built somewhere else everyone would be saying what a mundane crappy building it actually is.

It isn't though. In my opinion, it's actually very attractive. Would look a treat anywhere, but this location works especially well because the area's been neglected for so long.

I tried to get this building listed (42 Long Millgate - the old school building), but today, I received notification from English Heritage that the building isn't to be designated. :(

I've always like this building and enjoyed the quaint and characterful juxtaposition against the larger and grander buildings like the railway station, Urbis, City Buildings and the Co-op's commercial offices.

Here's an extract from EH's letter, which contains some interesting information:

Despite Nos. 40-42 Long Millgate having been constructed as a Mistress’ House to an early girls’ school, the physical evidence of this function has been destroyed. The demolition of the school has meant the building has lost its functional context, while evidence of the interconnection between the two has also been removed. Although an historic relationship remains, in assessing a building for listing we must consider its character as exists today. As the building is now a stand-alone structure with little physical evidence of its original purpose, it must primarily be assessed as a domestic, rather than an educational building.

The Selection Guide for Town Houses (October 2011) states that for properties constructed during the period 1700-c.1840, those surviving in anything like their original form should be listed. The key issue is whether alterations have seriously undermined the building’s overall interest: loss of major elements such as the staircase, or the stripping out of internal detailing, is likely to render a house unlistable.

The unfortunate loss of this building’s context has been compounded by alterations related to a number of changes of use during the C20, further removing it from its original domestic character. Externally the insertion of a shop front has led to the loss of the original entrance and a ground floor window. Some shop fronts can be early, or can even add to the overall interest of a building. However, in this case it is standard rather than special for its date and does not therefore compensate for the loss of original fabric. Internally the conversion to three dwellings will have necessitated a change in plan, while the conversion to commercial use has had a major impact on the fabric of the house. The ground floor and basement have had their original dividing walls and all fixtures and fittings removed. Although the staircase does survive and features such as a fireplace remain in-situ to the first floor, these are fragmentary survivals when looking at the building as a whole. Therefore although dating to pre-1840, this house has undergone significant changes of use during the C20 which have had a significant impact on its original character.

It is the case that this building was designed by Richard Lane, an architect of some note. He was considered Manchester’s most prominent architect of the time; tutor to Alfred Waterhouse, one of the founders and first president of the Manchester Architectural Society and with approximately 17 listed buildings to his name. The building is not without architectural pretensions; the shouldered gables and distinctive windows give an indication of the ‘Tudorbethan’ style once displayed by the entire range. However, as it stands the former Mistress’ house is a fragmentary survival of Lane’s original design, the major part of which was the school. This building was constructed as a subsidiary feature to the school; therefore its demolition has again led to a loss of context, in this case in architectural terms. Although of some local interest for its connection to Lane, as a subsidiary building which has in addition been significantly altered, it cannot be said to be a significant example of his work. It does not compare favourably with designated examples of Lane’s school buildings such as Henshaw’s Bluecoat School in Oldham (1829-1834, Grade II) or Queen Elizabeth Grammar School in Wakefield (1833-4, Grade II), both in the neo-Tudor style and largely complete.

Therefore this former Mistress’ house, having lost the context of the school which it was constructed to serve as well as having undergone multiple changes of use, is too altered to be of special interest in the national context. It is therefore not recommended for listing. It is however of some local architectural interest for its connection to Richard Lane and the retention of some original neo-Tudor architectural detailing.

CONCLUSION:
After examining all the records and other relevant information and having carefully considered the architectural and historic interest of this case, the criteria for listing are not fulfilled.

REASONS FOR DESIGNATION DECISION:

Nos. 40-42 Long Millgate, a former Mistress’ house of 1835 by Richard Lane, is not recommended for designation for the following principal reasons:
* Context: this building was constructed as a subsidiary feature to the now demolished main school; it has therefore lost its functional context
* Alterations: changes of use have led to the rearrangement of internal plans, significantly altering the original domestic character
* Fixtures and fittings: aside from fragmentary survivals, the majority of fixtures and fittings have been removed
* Architectural: the design is not of the high standards necessary in order to compensate for the levels of alteration


Countersigning comments:


Agreed: This building is too altered to merit designation in the national context.

Oh well, bring on the crappy single-storey podium and the rotund tower (two architectural vagaries that I despise) that'll eventually replace it.

I like. Was hoping for some green glass like the Urbis, but its a good proposal.
http://m.gmgrd.co.uk/res/436.$plit/C_71_article_1458242_image_list_image_list_item_5_image.jpg?08%2F09%2F2011%2009%3A01%3A07%3A357

Same here. It would be a powerful effect if they had matching glass exteriors. But hey isnt that glass one of the reasons why the Urbis costs so much to maintain, so the rumor goes.

This affects me personally, as this stretch is what I witness every time I come into the city centre. So NOMA and this huge glass bog roll will be aestically pleasing if nothing else.

Goes to planning next week,

http://www.manchester.gov.uk/meetings/meeting/1540/planning_and_highways_committee

http://www.manchester.gov.uk/egov_downloads/Item_6_-_The_City_Building_Site_land_bonded_by_Corporation_Street__Tood_Street__Haliwell_Street.pdf

6 The City Building Site land bounded by Corporation Street, Todd Street, Haliwell Street and Long Millgate PDF 279.67 KB http://www.manchester.gov.uk/meetings/meeting/1540/planning_and_highways_committee

You're 4 hours and 33 minutes too late. :)

You're 4 hours and 33 minutes too late. :)

I can't keep up anymore. It's great to see the Manchester forum buzzing again. :banana: Long may it continue. :)

£26m hotel plan for City Building moves forwards

21st December 2011

By Mike Fahy - Assistant Editor

http://www.thebusinessdesk.com/assets/_files/cached/img/310x207/dec_11/businessdesk__1324463963_Curved_tower_planned_for_City_.jpg?access=604T778T840

THE next significant phase of the Co-operative's NOMA scheme looks set to go ahead with a £26m plan to redevelop the City Building near Victoria Station into a 178-bed hotel now progressing.

The Co-operative Group has submitted a joint application alongside Denizen Contracts - the Wigan-based building firm owned by property entrepreneur Paul Bolton - to knock down the neighbouring 40-44 Millgate building and redevelop City Building, which will involve the creation of a curved 17-storey tower reaching above the building's ground floor level.

Manchester City Council's planning officers are recommending that the scheme is approved. A decision will be taken by its planning committee tomorrow.

If approval is granted, the hotel would be operated by Sanguine Hospitality - the Liverpool-based operator of hotels for Intercontinental Hotels Group (IHG) and Hilton, which is co-owned by Mr Bolton and by Simon Matthews-Williams.

Sanguine will operate the hotel under IHG's "boutique" Hotel Indigo brand. A Marco Pierre-White Steakhouse Bar & Grill, gym and retail/financial services units would also be created on the lower floors.

The application states that the site is currently semi-derelict after both the City Buildings site and a former Post Office at the Long Millgate building were vacated in 2004, and that both buildings had deteriorated "rapidly" since.

Bringing it back into use would secure a meaningful future for City Buildings, as well as creating 28 construction jobs and around 188 full-time jobs once complete.

http://www.thebusinessdesk.com/assets/_files/cached/img/318x213/dec_11/businessdesk__1324464200_Tower_building_proposed_for_Ma.jpg?access=667T793T840

It will also form "a key gateway project within the NOMA Masterplan area and a fundamental part of the future regeneration of the Northern Gateway".

Muse Developments, which is spearheading the neighbouring redevelopment of land around Network Rail's Victoria Station, has welcomed the scheme, stating that it would create a "compatible and mutually beneficial future use" for its proposed development.

However, it has also sought assurances that its construction will not affect planned access for the Fishdock site it is looking to redevelop for Network Rail next to Victoria Station.

http://www.thebusinessdesk.com/northwest/news

New render? I prefer the green tinge so I’m hoping so.
http://www.thebusinessdesk.com/assets/_files/cached/img/318x213/dec_11/businessdesk__1324464200_Tower_building_proposed_for_Ma.jpg?access=667T793T840
http://img225.imageshack.us/img225/9971/hotelindigo1.jpg

It also cites that the tower will be 17 storeys instead of 13 storeys.

Andrew

I doubt it very much, but I do hope the clock that originally graced the tower on the corner of City Buildings is restored to working order.

Been passed according to North West Tonight. Who knows which one? Most likely the gold one.

^^ beat me to it :)

I hope that this does turn out to be 17 storeys over 13 (well, I say that.. the rational side of me is saying keep it at 13 to create a more cohesive streetscape and masterplan etc etc, but then the other side of me just wants height). I do think that at 17 storeys it will bridge in with the new Co Op building a stone's throw away, along with No 1 Deansgate and the Edge buildings on the other side - Either way, a great addition.

I reckon they’ve made a mistake with the height. It would change the shape otherwise, and you’d think at least one of these would show a height difference. which if you count he floors, they don’t.
http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTl-CC-WB3yvly3sU8EceAx70Pq2EAGaAiS8MrD0AIHRiGHHGJi
http://www.thebusinessdesk.com/assets/_files/cached/img/310x207/dec_11/businessdesk__1324463963_Curved_tower_planned_for_City_.jpg?access=604T778T840

Nice looking development, and yes I hope they go for 17 storeys - 30 would be better!!

The height is questionable and the shape hardly references the Listed City Building but ultimately this area has been a disgrace for MCC and its ability to force the hand of absentee landlords. Ultimately the economics of developing this building was always going to exclude any Boutique hotel project that might have been truly interesting.


I see no point in attempting to reference the glasswork of Urbis.


I like. Was hoping for some green glass like the Urbis, but its a good proposal


This building represents the gateway onto the NOMA site from this side of the city.


I imagine that the architect sees it as a sister building to the New Co-op Headquarters in the same way that New Century House was to the CIS Building. Certainly the Brown Steelwork elements appear identical to that of Angel SQ.



In this way, I can imagine other “siblings” on the Shudehill and Miller St Sites incorporating the same element.


This would help create a sympathetic monochrome “whole to the entire project. One would know instantly that one had indeed arrived at NOMA by a standardised colour palette. Quality buildings constructed from glass would reflect the surrounding buildings of merit (similar to how the City of London balance the old and the new); I consider the statement /value buildings to be already here within the Listed estate, CIS Building, etc as well as Parker’s Hotel and Co-op warehouses of Angel Meadow).


Just building another sterile architectural business quarter like Spinningfields, with no coherent entrances/exits/architectural flow, would be a big disappointment when set against the progressive PR spin surrounding the NOMA project.

Mr Pringle, speaking at a town hall review this week, said that, work would start on City Buildings in May – the development near Victoria Station will include a new Hotel Indigo and restaurant from celebrity chef Marco Pierre White.

http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/news/business/s/1485088_co-op-ring-road-work-to-start-within-weeks