Deloitte Real Estate hits £1bn project milestone since lockdown

Deloitte Real Estate’s North West team has remained committed to driving Manchester’s development sector despite COVID-19 challenges

Deloitte Real Estate’s North West team has advised on over £1bn of approved projects since lockdown began in March.

This milestone follows Manchester City Council’s September Virtual Planning Committee, which saw approval of several major schemes Deloitte has advised on, including The Co-op Live Arena, Plot 11 First Street and Union Living’s co-living scheme at St John’s.

The team has supported on several major planning schemes put forward to Manchester City Council’s new Virtual Planning Committee, quickly adapting to the new format. Deloitte Real Estate also advised on the second phase of Renaker’s Crown Street, valued at over £300m, Ask Real Estate’s 325 Deansgate aparthotel scheme and the prominent Viadux scheme close to Deansgate-Castlefield tram station, progressing amendments that will allow enabling works to commence.

In addition to approval on a multitude of landmark schemes in Manchester City Centre, the team has secured the endorsement of numerous Strategic Regeneration Frameworks for regeneration areas. Alongside several in Manchester City Centre, such as St Mary’s Parsonage SRF, Deloitte has played a central role in the Radcliffe Town Centre SRF, which is currently being consulted and sets out the transformative plans for Radcliffe town centre. With an overhaul of provisions in leisure, retail, housing, transport, education and business infrastructure included, Geoff Little chief executive at Bury Council described the plans as “a new deal for Radcliffe”.

In addition to new schemes, construction has also begun during lockdown on a number of projects that Deloitte Real Estate has previously secured planning permission for. This includes the Helipad Link Bridge at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust’s (MFT) Oxford Road Campus, Muse’s New Victoria development, Federated Hermes’ 4 Angel Square, Renaker’s Greengate Development, Salford, and the MMU Institute of Sport, part of Manchester Metropolitan University’s new-look campus.

John Cooper, partner at Deloitte, said: “Securing approvals for projects at a value of over £1bn in Manchester City Centre since the start of lockdown is a momentous achievement, especially when considering the unique macro environment. In particular, with approval of both OVG’s Co-op Live Arena, co-living schemes at First Street and St John’s, and the second phase of Renaker’s Crown Street development, Deloitte’s planning and development team continue to play a central role in the development of this incredible city.

“Not only are we set to see a continued transformation of the city skyline, but with approval of these projects we can expect thousands of new jobs to be created and a growing influx of international appeal, as both a place to do business and to visit as a tourist.”

Simon Bedford, partner at Deloitte, said: “It’s testament to the strength of the region’s planning and development scene that despite the pandemic and its associated challenges, there is still plenty of positive activity underway. Beyond the swathe of planning applications in Manchester City Centre, which continues to be a hotbed of activity, we have also been active across Greater Manchester – providing crucial support to councils in light of the changes brought about by COVID-19, as we all look to build back better.”

“We’re now keenly looking towards the next six months and what is to come. There’s no doubt we’re set to see a lot of change, but if there was ever a time to analyse what worked over the past decade and how we can build on it – it is now. Our talented team will endeavour to continue its role in bringing ambitious projects to life, bringing about positive change to the places in which we work, live and play.”