Manchester City Council is inviting interested developers to present proposals to transform a surplus multi storey car park on Church Street and deliver a landmark development in the heart of the Northern Quarter.
Dubbed St Paul’s after the original church that once stood on the site, this is a rare and unique opportunity to remodel the 1.54acre (0.62ha) city centre location through a highly sustainable development – with the potential to include mixed-tenure residential and commercial uses, along with the delivery of a new public square
The Church Street site is a strategic opportunity in Manchester’s city centre and the development will look to complement and enhance the Northern Quarter whilst also contributing towards the Councils strategic economic, housing and environmental priorities.
Proposals are expected to deliver a scheme of world class architectural quality that will create a welcoming and ambitious urban development that respects and celebrates the surrounding neighbourhood’s heritage and independent ethos.
The current multi-storey car park use detracts from the wider Northern Quarter and proposals should pay homage to the historic street pattern of the area, while encouraging ground floor independent business opportunities for which the neighbourhood is now famed.
The redevelopment will support the city’s continued growth whilst also complementing the wider Northern Quarter community and neighbourhood offer.
CBRE is managing the Invitation to Tender (ITT) process on behalf of the Council and proposals should be submitted by 13:00 Wednesday 12 February 2025.
Leader of the Council Bev Craig said:
“This is a unique opportunity to deliver a landmark redevelopment of this site and deliver a project that will transform this part of our city centre through a world-class, mixed-use development – including exemplary public realm.
“Our Northern Quarter is proudly and fiercely independent and we would expect proposals to understand intimately the context of the neighbourhood and present plans that pay homage to the history and heritage of the area to support the next generation of independent businesses to thrive.
“The Church Street car park has for some time felt out of step with its surroundings, detracting from the wider area both in look and feel, and in the way the current building layout attracts anti-social behaviour. A multi storey car park is also inappropriate in the heart of our city, and we expect this development to support a people-first approach that actively promotes public transport and active travel over car use.
“We look forward to seeing ambitious proposals that will enhance our world-famous Northern Quarter and support the continued success of our city centre.”
