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Jadebricks secures planning permission for ‘Larard’s Still’ aparthotel in Manchester’s Northern Quarter

Acting on behalf of Manchester-based developer, Jadebricks, we have secured planning permission for Larard’s Still, a 117-room aparthotel and two commercial units at 68-70 Oldham Street in the Northern Quarter.

We provided Planning, Heritage, Economics and Strategic Communications services on the project which includes plans for 68 – 70 Oldham Street, which has been vacant for several years, and a warehouse on Spear Street. The Oldham Street buildings have fallen into disrepair over the years and considerable investment is required to bring the site back to life. 

Design by SimpsonHaugh, the plans for the aparthotel include a mix of two, three and four person rooms, with the ground floor and basement containing a guest lounge with kitchen facility, luggage store, gym and laundry facilities, plus a 15-space secure cycle storage space and substation. The plans also allow for two independent commercial units on the ground floor.

Over a two-year period, the proposals have evolved to incorporate site neighbour and wider stakeholder feedback, including a sensitive approach to heritage and robust noise mitigation measures given the site’s positioning in a prime Northern Quarter location.

The development will complement the vibrant mix of businesses in the area whilst activating the street scene and increasing footfall, encouraging pedestrians to pass through the wider Northern Quarter area.

The design retains the historic fabric of the area and will preserve the facades and basements of 68 and 70 Oldham Street, as well as the internal floors of 68 Oldham Street. The scheme is targeting a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating, reusing existing buildings to contribute towards the city’s zero-carbon targets. 

Once complete, the scheme will boost the city’s hotel offer at a critical time as the Factor and Co-op Live come on stream. It is estimated that it will support 85,000 visitors in Manchester, bringing additional expenditure of around £7.2 million per annum (excluding accommodation), supporting the equivalent of 40 jobs in the local area.

Mike Bathurst for Jadebricks, said:

“A lot of work has gone into developing the proposals for Larard’s Still and I am absolutely delighted that the planning committee has voted in favour of our plans. 

In designing the scheme, we have placed a particular emphasis on the retention of the heritage of the site, with the name ‘Larard’s Still’ taken from a pub which occupied the site back in the 19th century. 

The plans will revive a key city-centre site whilst breathing new life into surrounding streets and providing a significant boost to the Manchester economy. I am thrilled we are now able to continue progressing these plans to deliver an exciting, much-needed aparthotel scheme in the city.”

Stephen Bell, Senior Planning Director, said:

“We’re passionate about our work to support investment across the city-region and this will be another positive addition.

The Northern Quarter is the ideal home for a scheme such as Larard’s Still. Through collaborative engagement between the client, design team and Manchester City Council, a beautiful design has evolved that successfully retains heritage value as part of a viable development.”

19 January 2023

Image courtesy of Our Studio Ltd