Co-operative Group launches Manchester Masterplan Competition
The Co-operative Group has launched an international master planning
competition, designed to deliver leading edge proposals for its
20-acre site within Manchester city centre. The site, an integral
part of Manchester's Northern Gateway, borders Corporation Street and
Miller Street and presents a major opportunity for regeneration in
this part of the city.
It is currently home to the headquarters of both the Group and its
financial arm, Co-operative Financial Services (CFS).
Last month, the Group announced its intention to find new
headquarters premises within Greater Manchester in a move expected to
take at least two years. CFS is currently reviewing its accommodation
requirements against business needs.
Key criteria for the masterplan include:
The environment. The Co-operative Group is already recognised as a
pioneer in delivering renewable technology - the CIS Tower, located
on the site, is the largest vertical solar panel array in Europe -
and the masterplan will need to deliver a framework for a carbon
neutral scheme.
Land use. The site contains a mix of land and buildings and has the
potential for a wide range of uses. The Co-operative Group is seeking
innovative proposals which reflects the Group's business ethos, drive
value and are sufficiently flexible to adapt to changing market
needs.
Transportation. Located close to Victoria Station and the Shudehill
Transport interchange, the masterplan is expected to make the most of
sustainable transport solutions.
Design. The masterplan will create mechanisms and set out parameters
to act as a catalyst for quality design solutions on specific plots
and deliver overall balance to the scheme.
Lynda Shillaw, Director of Property for the Co-operative Group,
commented: "This is a high profile opportunity to create a masterplan
which will fully realise the site's commercial potential and at the
same time, provide a showpiece example of city centre regeneration."
A website giving further details is at
http://www.manchestermasterplan.coop