Crosby Lend Lease launches landmark ‘Potato Wharf'

A prime city centre site - widely recognised as the last great location for residential development in Manchester - has been acquired by Crosby Lend Lease, the award winning residential developer behind The Hacienda and No 1. Deansgate.

Potato Wharf, a scheme comprising two six-storey blocks and a 12-storey tower, is to be built in the much sought after Castlefield district. The waterside location of Potato Wharf (by the Bridgewater Canal basin) is within easy walking distance of bars, clubs, and restaurants in the city’s vibrant centre, making this scheme exceptionally desirable for those looking for the perfect waterside retreat.

With planning permission already secured, preliminary ground works have already commenced and Potato Wharf is already tipped to be of similar significance to that of greenquarter, the city’s first mixed-use development, which has changed the face of over seven acres of derelict wasteland in Cheetham Hill into a vibrant, self-contained urban community of chic apartments.

The Potato Wharf development will comprise at least 213 stylish residential units, offering an inspirational array of studios and one and two bedroom apartments, with prices starting from approximately £130,000.

Sales and Marketing Director for Crosby Lend Lease North West, Peter Vella comments: “Potato Wharf is the first development of its kind in Manchester. The look and feel of the development is truly sympathetic to its surroundings and the scheme takes its inspiration from Manchester’s thriving industrial past and many examples of this heritage have been tastefully retained in the design.

“Yet all this is cleverly combined with a range of modern touches to reflect the edgy, urban vibe that Manchester has become so famous for over the last decade. The Potato Wharf scheme is all about ‘apartments with soul in a city with attitude’,” added Peter.

When completed the properties will have stunning views over the famous Cheshire Lines viaduct and red brick railway bridges. The façade of the buildings will be deep grey to blend with the iron bridges close by and the supporting timber plinths underneath the buildings will mirror the wooden bridges of previous years. Bold splashes of primary colour will be featured on the buildings externally in a nod to the Rose and Castles colouring of passing canal barges.

Crosby Lend Lease is looking to expand on the current building proposal, potentially utilising an adjacent two and a half acre area of land – a cement works and a scrap yard - which would become part of the development. Subject to planning permission, new plans would also involve the creation of a public open space, which would provide awe-inspiring views of the river and viaducts.

With a central courtyard garden located between the two apartment blocks, there will also be a new footbridge constructed underneath the viaduct, providing public access to the existing bridges over the canal basin.

“We’re confident that Potato Wharf will stimulate a positive vitality in Castlefield, to offer innovative city centre living, combined with improved local facilities,” added Peter.

Crosby Lend Lease is renowned for its groundbreaking residential developments and has played a prominent role in the evolution of the city centre as a place to live, as well as work and play. Potato Wharf looks set to follow this trend.

For further information, visit crosbylendlease.co.uk.