Planning approval has been granted for the first phase of a £750m mixed-use project in Manchester.

Joint venture (JV) partners Bruntwood and Select Property Group are to begin developing Phase 1A of the Oxford Road development on a former BBC site in the city centre.

The £55m Circle Square phase will offer office, retail, serviced apartments and private residential accommodation, along with public communal spaces.

Two serviced apartment buildings will feature public realm space, 600 modern luxury units, including 22 duplex penthouses with external terraces, and riverside walkways along the River Medlock.

-- Advertisement --

Each building will be delivered and managed under Select's Vita brand.

Other features include communal hub spaces, with media rooms, a large private gym, private dining areas, lounges, extensive social areas and private study areas.

Phase 1B of the £750m scheme is currently subject to Public Application.

Eventually, the 2.3m sq ft neighbourhood will include residential, commercial and public space amenities as well as a shops. It is due to be completed by 2025.

Mark Stott, CEO of Select Property Group, said: "Today's approval is a major milestone in our joint venture partnership with Bruntwood and for the Vita Student brand.

"We are looking forward to expanding our award-winning Vita Student offering to a second Manchester site, which will be ready for the September 2017 academic year.

"Securing approval for the first phase is a significant part of our vision to create a new neighbourhood for the city, which will be complemented by future phases featuring extensive green areas as well as commercial, residential and retail buildings that are to be considered by planners."

(LM/JP)