Plans have been approved for the first phase of a £200 million mixed-use scheme in Manchester.

The first stage of KAMPUS will be carried out by joint venture (JV) partners Henry Boot Developments and Capital & Centric. Demolition works are set to start on site this Autumn.

The multi-million pound development, which has been designed by architects Mecanoo and shedkm, will see a range of residential, retail and leisure space delivered on the site of the former MMU Business school in the city centre.

Features include building 478 Private Rented Sector apartments, 30,000 sq ft of retail/leisure space on the ground and mezzanine floors, as well as developing two new 12 – 16 storey buildings.

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The project also involves refurbishing the existing 1960s former Aytoun Tower with a roof top village of timber Dutch townhouses.

Plans for the next phase of KAMPUS are due to be submitted by the end of this year. Proposals include converting the Grade II listed warehouses, Minto & Turner and Minshull House, into loft apartments and restaurant space.

Adam Brady, Director for Henry Boot Developments, said: "This is a real landmark moment for KAMPUS and brings the regeneration of this neglected part of the city centre one step closer to fruition. From the outset we wanted to work with the site's existing buildings and spaces to create a real neighbourhood feel and not just something new and shiny that lacked soul. We're very excited about the 1960s tower conversion, which will create some of the most unique apartments in the city, it's going to be very cool and a great place to live."

The first units are expected to be ready for occupation by the beginning of 2019.

(LM/CD)