RESIDENTS of Castlefield are spoiling for another planning fight after learning that Plot G – the welcome patch of green space next to The Wharf pub - is being marketed for development.
“We fought a long, hard and successful five year battle to prevent inappropriate development of the site next to Plot G. It was a ‘David and Goliath’ victory"
The land was originally deemed as 'private/public open space' as part of Macbride’s Slate Wharf development when it was built in 1997, and makes a pleasing landing point for Merchants Bridge crossing from Catalan Square (Barca bar) to Slate Wharf.
Twelve years ago the city gave permission for a six to seven storey apartment block on the site or hotel/leisure/retail and even though that permission has long lapsed Savills are marketing the small 0.25acre plot as a 'Prime Development Opportunity'. They want expressions of interest by 15 October.
Plot G outlined in red
However, buoyed by their 2011 success in halting a huge Ian Simpson residential scheme ('like something out of Star Trek'), the Castlefield Forum resident group is warning any potential bidders that "they'll be in for a long fight.”
Carol Middleton, Chair of the Castlefield Forum, said:
“We fought a long, hard and successful five year battle to prevent inappropriate development of the site next to Plot G. It was a ‘David and Goliath’ victory with the proposals going to Public Inquiry which we and the Council won and the developer lost.
“They then sold the site to Brunning & Price who now run the stunningly popular pub, The Wharf, on the same site. We would fight an equally hard campaign to prevent inappropriate development of Plot G.
“We welcome new development in Castlefield. We’d love to see new development on the Cantina site by the Bridgewater Viaduct or along Bridgewater Street (the former Pioneer Quay scheme) and phases three and four of Potato Wharf.
“But Plot G is different. It lies at the heart of the canal basin. Keeping it as open space is crucial to the openness and parkland aspect of the area. Castlefield basin is unique, a jewel in Manchester’s crown that should be protected for the present and future.”
Plot G to the right
Ian Christie, Forum Secretary said: “People often complain that Manchester city centre lacks any sizeable parks but here is one in Castlefield, only ten minutes walk from Albert Square”.
“With its listed warehouses, bridges and railway viaducts, waterways and narrow boats, linked greens, waterside bars and restaurants, ducks, geese and swans, weeping willows, laburnum, maple and mountain ash trees, Castlefield basin is a massive draw not only to people from all over Manchester but to national and international visitors and tourists too. Plot G is enormously popular in summer and is an integral part of the park.
“Just as the Council had the vision to create a new waterside park in New Islington, so it should have the vision to protect this existing park in Castlefield.
“Almost any development on Plot G – certainly 45 or so apartments – would alter the balance between built form and open space (green or hard-surfaced) in the canal basin. Buildings would predominate.”
The Wharf
The Forum wants the City Council to contribute towards buying the site and landscaping it alongside residents and businesses.
Perhaps they should ask other developers to contribute as part of their Section 106 agreements, or maybe crowd sourcing is the way forward. Anyone who has sat out there in the sun this summer and enjoyed the space, the view, and the lack of tall building shadow would surely contribute a tenner.
Manchester Ship Canal Properties (part of Peel Group) retain the freehold and they will be as aware as anyone that the inspector’s findings from the public inquiry will have set a precedent.
Meanwhile the City Council’s own Castlefield Events and Marketing Strategy (2010) describes Castlefield thus: “One of Manchester’s most outstanding public spaces [...] undeniably beautiful (with) character and soul [...] one of the few green and open spaces in the city centre, and certainly the only outdoor location large enough for people to explore.”
For information on the sale see here.
