Heritage chiefs positive over Nev’s latest plans
GROUP PLEASED WITH UNITED LEGEND’S REDRAWN ST MICHAEL’S PROJECT PROPOSALS
GARY Neville’s huge redevelopment of Jackson’s Row has been submitted to planners for the second time – and heritage bosses are now a lot more positive about the design.
The St Michael’s plans were radically redrawn after a huge backlash to the original proposals, submitted at the start of this year.
That included opposition from the public and key objections from Historic England, who said two planned skyscrapers ‘were of great concern.’
They would cause ‘high level of harm’ to the surrounding listed buildings, said the heritage body at the time.
Now, after one tower was removed and the second redesigned – and major demolition plans scrapped – Historic England has provided a more favourable response.
Although it still has concerns about the effect on views from Albert Square, it believes the development as a whole now ‘enhances’ the overall conservation area.
The body’s change of heart makes the plans more likely to get approved next year.
Gary Neville is redeveloping the huge area between Jackson’s Row and Bootle Street in partnership with the council.
Luxury apartments – expected to be among the most expensive in the city – will join a five-star hotel, new synagogue, office space, shops, bars, restaurants and a public garden.
But the planning process has been particularly tricky. The original plans would have seen the former Bootle Street police station and Sir Ralph Abercromby pub demolished, with two new dark-clad skyscrapers in their place – alongside a huge new public plaza, set around a giant staircase.
Historic England initially said the designs would cause ‘substantial harm to designated heritage assets, including those of highest importance.’
Following the criticisms a ‘pause’ was put on the application and a new architect, Stephen Hodder, was appointed.
Now the pub and the police station facade will be kept and the remaining 30-storey skyscraper will sit on a plinth further away from the listed buildings around Albert Square and St Peter’s Square.
Asked whether he was more confident his latest plans would be approved, Gary Neville said: “I would never say I have confidence, I’d say more confident than last time obviously because we have got a better consultation response - not just from Historic England but importantly the public response has been far more positive.”
The application is likely to go before the council’s planning committee in the spring. Due to the application being submitted over Christmas, the normal consultation period has been extended to 40 days – meaning the public has until January 31 to submit feedback.