Two historic Victorian buildings in central Manchester could be torn down to make way for a towering new 14-storey office block overlooking a popular city park.
Heritage Versus Modern Development
Developers Beaconsfield Commercial Ltd have formally applied for planning permission to demolish 1 Parsonage and 5 Parsonage. These structures, originally built as warehouses in the 1860s and 1870s, currently serve as offices with views across Parsonage Gardens. The applicant argues the pair are now in a poor state and fail to meet contemporary standards for office occupants.
In their place, the firm wants to construct a development named 'One North Parade'. This proposed landmark would include a ground-floor bar and restaurant accessible to the public, aiming to contribute to the area's vibrancy.
Design Aims to Echo Local Character
The new design marks a significant shift from a previous, rejected proposal for a steel-and-glass tower. That earlier plan was refused on grounds of excessive height, a failure to respect local architecture, and insufficient evidence of office demand.
The current scheme seeks to address these concerns. Architects Squire and Partners plan to use red brick facades and incorporate arched openings at ground level. This approach is intended to reference the architectural character of the existing buildings and the wider conservation area. In planning documents, the developers describe the vision as a "distinctive landmark" that emphasises tenant well-being, sustainable design, and architectural quality.
Local Opposition and Consultation
Despite the redesign, the project faces local opposition. A public consultation highlighted several key concerns from neighbours, including:
- Objections to the demolition of the existing Victorian buildings.
- Fears that the development would cause 'harm' to the conservation area.
- Worries about the impact on surrounding properties.
The fate of the site now rests with Manchester's planning authorities. The public can view and comment on the application, which represents another chapter in the ongoing debate about balancing heritage preservation with modern commercial development in the heart of the city.
