Manchester’s newest neighbourhood, Circle Square has been given green light for its latest application to accommodate a part-12, part-18 storey building which will include a hotel and an energy centre, in addition to a car-park, ground floor commercial units, office space, a gym and restaurants and bars.
The new building will become a key piece of the transport jigsaw for Circle Square, with a cycle highway and improvements to Oxford Road to be part of an integrated transport infrastructure.
It will be located between Princess Street and Upper Brook Street, at the junction with Mancunian Way, thus minimising additional car journeys within the development and to the wider city centre.
Designed by Fielden Clegg Bradley Studios, the bold and contemporary approach pays homage to Manchester’s industrial past. Drawing on links to the grand infrastructure of the Victorian era, the simple solid forms, repetitive brick elevation and robust construction are emulated in the building design.
This ‘hybrid’ building type will combine a number of different uses which is completely new to Manchester The 150-bed hotel will be from the 12th to 17th floors, while the 1,100 car-parking spaces will cover the ground to 11th floors. At ground level the building houses main entrances to the car park and hotel; as well as retail units and an Energy Centre.
Additionally, the Energy Centre will house a combined heat and power plant that will provide energy for the entire Circle Square neighbourhood, ensuring that it provides sustainable energy now and in the future.
Alex Whitbread, partner at Fielden Clegg Bradley Studios, commented: “It has been designed with Manchester in mind. The simple elevation plays on the overall development’s name – Circle Square – but actually creates a memorable façade that will take its place among the enduring group of contemporary buildings that line the journey along the Mancunian Way.
In contrast to most contemporary car parking structures that are lightweight materials, this proposal is designed to have longevity, and to age well by using materials that will weather in a characterful way.”
