New office block planned to replace former warehouses from 1860s and 1870s
A ground floor bar-restaurant at the Parsonage Gardens scheme would be open to the public(Image: Squire and Partners for Beaconsfield Commercial Ltd via planning documents)
Two Victorian ‘Italianate’ buildings could be demolished to make way for a 14-storey office block towering over a city centre park.
Developers have applied for planning permission to knock down 1 Parsonage and 5 Parsonage, built in the 1860s and 1870s respectively as warehouses. Both are now office buildings boasting green views of Parsonage Gardens.
Beaconsfield Commercial Ltd says the pair ‘are in a deteriorated condition and no longer meet office occupier standards’, and wants to raze them. It hopes to build ‘One North Parade’ in their place, a 14-storey office block featuring a public restaurant and bar on the ground floor.
“The building is envisioned as a distinctive landmark adjacent to Parsonage Gardens, one of Manchester city centre’s most significant public spaces,” the planning application said. “Designed to set a benchmark for workplace environments, it places an emphasis on tenant well-being, sustainable design, and architectural quality, contributing to the vibrancy and long-term development of the city centre.”
Images show architects plan to use red brick facades to fit in with the area’s Victorian vibe. They explained why: “It references the architectural character of 1 North Parade and 5 Parsonage through the integration of arched openings at ground floor level and the use of red brick as the primary façade material-both of which are prevalent features within the conservation area.”
How the new building planned for Parsonage Gardens could look(Image: Squire and Partners for Beaconsfield Commercial Ltd via planning documents)
The new designs are a radical departure from a previous plan for a steel-and-glass tower. It was knocked back for being too tall, not respecting the area’s architecture, and a lack of evidence office demand could fill the space.
Although the second scheme shows a big rethink, it appears opposition remains to the development. Planners said a consultation found neighbours were unhappy at the demolition of existing buildings, ‘harm’ to the conservation area, and the influence on existing buildings.
You can view or comment on the plans here.
