Downing has reached a key milestone in £400m mixed-use scheme at First Street, with enabling works underway ahead of construction starting in March.

The regeneration project in the heart of Manchester city centre – overlooked by the Mancunian way – will deliver a community-centric development across three new buildings rising to 45 storeys.

It will include more than 2,200 bedrooms split across a mix of accommodation types and price-points, ranging from private studios to five-bedroom apartments, as well as conventional one and two-bedroom apartments.

A vast indoor private amenity offer will be provided to supplement the living accommodation, as well as 17,000 sf of commercial leisure, F&B/retail space.

The mixed-use regeneration development has been designed with a community-centric living approach at its heart.


In support of the Government's drive to increase the number of green space within our cities, Downing has worked with landscape architect and environment planner OPEN to build both extensive public and private gardens, which will include the planting of 140 trees across the site.

The mixed-use scheme is Downing's latest regeneration project in the area, following the development of student accommodation building, River Street Tower, which opened in September 2020 with 792 beds.

George Tyson, Project's Manager at Downing, said: "Over Downing's 30-year history, we have established ourselves as a trusted developer with an exceptional track record in delivering high-specification regeneration projects across the UK, including award-winning projects within Manchester city centre.

"Our aim is to professionalise and innovate the concept of shared living, providing affordable, purpose built living spaces in city-centre locations, like First Street. This gives our tenants peace of mind with flexible, hassle-free living at inclusive prices.

"Our mission is to foster a culture of community and fun that is so often lacking in city centre living, whilst giving our residents an affordable home, at the highest quality, surrounded by like-minded people.

"We believe our plans will add to the vibrancy in and around First Street and act as a catalyst for other high quality regeneration projects, including the Oxford Road Corridor."