Hotel set to check out of city skyline
A MANCHESTER landmark looks set to finally face the bulldozers after more than a decade of attempts to get it demolished.
The Ramada Renaissance hotel complex, on Deansgate, is to be turned into a new five-star hotel, shops, flats and a public square under plans by developers Urban&Civic.
Architects Glenn Howells say they plan a ‘composition of new buildings’ to replace the sprawling concrete complex backing onto Blackfriars Street.
Manchester council has been trying for more than 10 years to get the site redeveloped but was thwarted by the 2008 financial crash.
Previous owners West Properties had promised in 2007 to sweep away its ‘very tired and ugly buildings’ and make the most of the river frontage, nearby bridges and its proximity to the cathedral. Those plans collapsed and Manchester council then tried unsuccessfully to tempt John Lewis to come in as a tenant.
Eventually the site was bought by Urban&Civic in 2014.
Following a design competition, the developer has now appointed Glenn Howells to work up detailed proposals.
Mr Howells said: “We are delighted to be working with Urban&Civic and Manchester City Council. Our vision for the site is a composition of new buildings taking reference from the surrounding heritage, whilst framing key views of the cathedral and bringing new life to this part of the river.”
The proposals fit with the council’s ongoing regeneration of the ‘medieval quarter’ around the cathedral, seen as the last piece in the jigsaw of Manchester’s post-IRA bomb rebuild.
Philip Leech, property director at Urban&Civic said it envisages ‘a mixeduse scheme, which is likely to include a new five-star hotel, residential, retail and leisure’
Sir Richard Leese, Leader of Manchester city council, said: “The site brings excitement and challenge in equal measure, but the outcome will revitalise the area and be a tremendous boost to the medieval core of the city.
“We absolutely welcome the commitment of Urban&Civic to ensure the development goes ahead and believe in the huge potential of the site.”
A planning application is expected next year.