Ambitious mixed-use scheme planned for central Manchester

Developers Ask Real Estate and Salboy have formed a joint venture partnership to deliver the ambitious Viadux project in central Manchester.

Planning permission for the scheme, on the former Bauer Millett site off Albion Street, is already in place for a 40-storey residential tower and a 14-storey office building that will provide 22,200m² of Grade A commercial space.

The development, designed by architect SimpsonHaugh, will also transform the neighbouring railway arches and create an active frontage along Great Bridgewater Street with new bars, restaurants and shops.

Work is expected to start on site this spring with Salboy’s partner construction firm Domis, carrying out the build.

Simon Ismail, Co-Founder and Director of Salboy said: “Viadux will benefit from our extensive construction expertise and residential development experience and will be the latest in a line of high-quality schemes we are delivering in the city region. Working with a partner of the calibre of Ask over the coming years will help create one of the most exciting mixed-use projects right in the heart of the city centre.”

John Hughes, Managing Director of Ask said: “This new and exciting partnership joins together two well established Manchester real estate companies. By joining forces with Salboy, together we are able to bring to fruition this significant development, which is in response to the city’s continuing economic, cultural and population expansion.

“Viadux brings back to life “hidden” space and with its unique characteristics, will transform this key location adjacent to Deansgate-Castlefield Metrolink station, the Beetham Tower and Manchester Central Conference and Exhibition Centre.”

The £300M project involves working around the existing tram line and Grade II listed arches and is expected to take approximately three years to complete.