‘Tower plan is ludicrous’
LANDLORD’S ANGER AT SCHEME TO BUILD BLOCK OF FLATS NEXT TO HISTORIC CITY PUB
PROPERTY developer has come under fire for its plan to build a 26-storey tower block next to one of Manchester’s oldest pubs.
Arrowsmith Investment say their proposals will ‘enhance and preserve’ the 200-year-old, Grade IIlisted Britons Protection.
Apex Tower, on the corner of Albion Street and Great Bridgewater Street, would include 72 two bedroom flats.
But the Britons Protection owner Mark West said he is ‘dumbfounded’ by the proposals.
He added: “We are vehemently opposed to it. It’s just absolutely ludicrous.
“I’m worried this could mean the pub will cease to exist.
“I have met with the developers and made my feelings clear.
“We will lose all the light in our beer garden - and that’s before you take into account the impact of two years of building work.
“And how the developer can say it will ‘enhance’ the Britons is beyond me.
“I own a construction company as well, so it’s a bit like the kettle calling the pot black, but in my opinion there are plenty more sites in the city centre that offer more scope for this type of development.”
After the proposals were released online one Twitter user wrote: “The poor Britons Protection pub. Looks like it’s about to get squashed.”
Arrowsmith is asking the public for their thoughts on the proposal ahead of a planning application in early 2022.
The consultation website says a ‘sensitive approach’ will be taken to the pub and vows its beer garden will remain unchanged and won’t be overlooked.
It adds: “At the heart of the design evolution has been the consideration of the Britons Protection and preserving its importance as an historic local landA
How the developer can say it will ‘enhance’ the Britons is beyond me Britons Protection owner Mark West
mark and a Grade II listed building.
“The Apex Tower proposals will enhance, rather than impact, the pub. The taller building on the junction of Albion Street is set back significantly to ensure the Britons Protection will remain a prominent and visually distinct building. “The entrance to the apartments in the tower building will be glassy and transparent and set back from the street edges. “The right side of the pub, featuring a traditional brick wall and original pub sign, will remain visible as the lower floors of the tower are stepped back, leaving the gable wall almost entirely exposed.” Arrowsmith has also announced proposals for a seven-storey office and residential block between the Britons Protection and Jury’s Inn hotel on Great Bridgewater Street.