| |
The
death of Castlefield? |
| Following
Pride Of Manchester's two successful campaigns in November
and December 2007, the Council's Planning Committee overturned
the Planning Officer's recommendation to approve the huge
117 apartment complex, proposed to sit by the canalside in
the heart of the Castlefield canal basin. Designed by Ian
Simpson, the architect also behind the controversial Beetham
'Hilton' Tower, the massive development would have been built
on the site currently occupied by the empty Jackson's Wharf
pub in the heart of the most historic part of the city centre,
one of the most popular tourist destinations. |
| The
Planning Commitee commented that they agreed with spokespersons,
Olympic swimmer James Hickman, Radio 2 broadcaster Mike Harding,
Councillors Pat Karney, Marc Ramsbottom and the thousand's
of protestors on Pride Of Manchester, who's comments had been
submitted to them ahead of the meeting. |
| This
was the first building to be rejecetd in the city centre in
over 5 years and the developer, Peel Holdings (who also own
The Trafford Centre, Liverpool Airport and the new media village
at Salford Quays), decided to take legal action to push the
controversial plans through. That legal bid has now resulted
in a Government appointed public enquiry. |
Public
Enquiry on November 25th-29th |
Mechanics Institute Conference Centre, 103 Princess Street,
M1 6DD [map] |
| The
hearing is open to the public and you may attend. If you wish
to speak, you must be at the Inquiry before it opens at 10am
on the 25th Nov and ask the inspector for permission at the
start. It's possible that members of the public may
also be allowed to speak on the other days of the hearing
too. |
| If
the designs by Ian Simpson are approved, they will moreorless
end Castlefield's tentative status as a UNESCO World Heritage
Site. |
| •
We are surprised and disappointed that Peel, a proud Mancunian
company, who started in the 1920's in the Textile Industry
at Peel Mills in Bury, have ignored the surrounding Industrial
heritage, with the beautiful canals, bridges and warehouses
in Castlefield - especially as they own one (MIddle Warehouse)
and the other (Merchant's Warehouse) was modernised sympathetically
by their architect, Ian Simpson. |
| •
After having their first two applications refused, Peel and
Ian Simpson have refused to enter into dialogue with Pride
Of Manchester, fellow protestors, councillors and local residents
to find alternative ideas for the site, which obviously needs
developing. |
| •
We are also seeking to push through Castelfield's bid to become
a UNESCO World Hertiage Zone. |
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