Bet Fred? Manchester Planners Won't Gamble On Controversial Aparthotel Plans
Will Manchester City Council's planners bet on the Fred Done-backed plan for a 122-room Northern Quarter aparthotel? It looks like they will not, Insider reports.
Council planners considered the application amidst mounting concern that new developments were putting at risk the eclectic range of period buildings which give the Northern Quarter its character.
A report to councillors said of the site, some of which is derelict: "The appraisal of the historic development and architectural interest of the buildings has demonstrated that they are of low to no architectural or historic interest."
The report concluded: "On balance, the proposal would preserve the character and appearance of the conservation area and the setting of the nearby listed buildings."
Despite the report's recommendation to approve the application, and after failing to make a decision at both their November and December meetings, the city's planning committee said it is "minded" to turn down the controversial proposal.
In August a planning application was submitted on behalf of Tibst Limited, in which Fred Done, owner of the Betfred bookmaking chain, is a shareholder.
Designed by 5plus Architects, the proposed building rises a maximum of 13 storeys fronting onto Shudehill, dropping to four storeys on the high street frontage. This is a reduction on the original plan.
The aparthotel is to be occupied by Zoku, an Amsterdam-based hotelier, making their U.K. debut.
