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Deansgate Square
Deansgate Square
from Wikipedia

Deansgate Square, formerly known as Owen Street, is a residential skyscraper cluster on the southern edge of Manchester city centre, England. It consists of four towers, the tallest of which is 201 metres (659 ft). The site lies just south of Deansgate railway station and north of the Mancunian Way, bounded by Deansgate, Owen Street and the River Medlock. The towers are positioned at different angles to one other, with a slight bevel, or 'cut back', on each side of each building to ensure they catch the light at different times of day.[3]

Key Information

Manchester City Council adopted a framework in the early 2000s, known as the Great Jackson Street Development Framework, which earmarked the site as a suitable location for high-rise buildings. The framework was introduced to encourage development, as the site had been vacant for many years and was perceived as isolated due to being bounded by major arterial roads.[4]

In 2016 the scheme was revived with a planning application for a cluster of four skyscrapers—the tallest being the South Tower at 201 m (659 ft). The South Tower surpassed the 169 m (554 ft) Beetham Tower as the tallest building in Greater Manchester in November 2018.

Construction on the tower complex officially began in July 2016, with developer Renaker starting work on the South and West Towers, the latter standing 141 m (463 ft) tall.[5] In October 2017, construction commenced on the North and East Towers, which are 122 m (400 ft) and 158 m (518 ft) tall, respectively. The overall development was completed in late 2020. Other towers in the adjacent vicinity, also built as part of the Great Jackson Street Development Framework, include Elizabeth Tower (2022),[6] The Blade (2023),[7] and Three60 (2024).[8]

History

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2007 original scheme

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The 2007 scheme consisted of five high-rise buildings containing nearly 1,100 residential units, 100 serviced apartments, a hotel, parking, office and retail space, and community facilities.[9] The tallest skyscraper planned was "Block D", which would have consisted of 49 storeys[10] — two storeys more than Manchester's tallest building, Beetham Tower — and 150 m (490 ft) tall.[11]

A planning application was submitted to Manchester City Council in 2007 and was approved early in 2008.[9][10] Permission to extend the time limit for building on the site was sought from the council in early 2011,[12] a request which was granted in September 2011.[13]

2016 revived scheme

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The revised scheme, proposed by developers Renaker Build and designed by SimpsonHaugh and Partners, was made public in January 2016 with a planning application to seek permission for the construction of four skyscrapers submitted in April.[14]

The proposed towers range from 122 m (400 ft) to over 200 m (660 ft) tall – the South Tower is 64 floors and 200.5 m (658 ft) tall, the East Tower is 50 floors and 157.9 m (518 ft) tall, the North Tower is 37 floors and 122 m (400 ft) tall and the West Tower is 44 floors and 140.4 m (461 ft) tall.[15][16]

The scheme was approved by Manchester City Council on 30 June 2016.[17]

Construction

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Construction on the tower complex officially began in July 2016, with developer Renaker starting construction on the South and West Towers.[5] Piling works on the West Tower were complete by November 2016, with tower cranes erected soon after.[18] Both towers would continue to rise for another two years before "topping out" in mid-2018.

By October 2017, as both the South and West Towers continued to rise, construction on the foundation and podium for the North and East Towers commenced. By July 2018, the West Tower topped out, having reached the 45th floor - its highest floor level. By November 2018, the South Tower – the tallest tower of the approved scheme at 201 metres (659 ft) – had topped out, having reached the 65th floor, its highest floor level.

In August 2018, institutional investor Legal & General acquired the West Tower with the intention to rent the tower out once complete.[19] Although the deal for the West tower was undisclosed, its estimated real estate value was believed to be in the region of £200 million, according to Estates Gazette.[20][21]

In January 2020, Legal & General announced the exchange of contracts for the Built to Rent North Tower.[22] The North Tower represents Legal & General's second Built to Rent acquisition in Deansgate Square.

October 2020 saw the final completion of the North, South, East, and West Towers.

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See also

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References

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from Grokipedia
Deansgate Square is a residential complex in , , developed by Renaker and comprising four towers that reach heights of 40, 47, 53, and 67 storeys, providing a total of 1,508 apartments. Located in the New Jackson neighbourhood on the site of a former public car park adjacent to the River Medlock, the development was designed by architects SimpsonHaugh and completed in 2021, significantly transforming the city's skyline as Manchester's tallest residential building at 200 metres. The towers feature a distinctive vertical design with 1-metre indentations, fully glazed curtain walling in silver grey and anthracite tones, and extensive amenities spanning 92,000 square feet, including a rooftop garden, , , cinema, , services, and landscaped public spaces such as The Square and Medlock Steps. As part of the broader Great Jackson Street Development Framework, Deansgate Square enhances pedestrian connectivity and public realm quality in central , contributing to the area's evolution into a high-density urban destination while offering luxury living options that are now fully sold out.

Overview

Location and Context

Deansgate Square is situated on Owen Street in the Southern Gateway area of , , forming a key part of the city's urban regeneration efforts. The development occupies a site bounded by the River Medlock to the south, Owen Street to the north, and the —part of Manchester's Inner —to the east, positioning it as a transitional zone between the bustling district and the southern approaches to the . It lies in close proximity to Deansgate-Castlefield railway and Metrolink station, approximately a five-minute walk away, enhancing connectivity for residents and visitors. The surrounding urban context integrates Deansgate Square with established landmarks and ongoing developments, including the nearby Beetham Tower on , which anchors the western edge of the city centre's high-rise cluster. This location facilitates seamless links to Manchester's cultural and commercial hubs, such as Deansgate's retail and entertainment offerings to the north, while contributing to the revitalization of the post-industrial Southern Gateway area along the River Medlock. As a mixed-use residential complex developed by Renaker, Deansgate Square encompasses 1,508 luxury apartments across four towers, spanning a total floor area of 183,000 m² and providing extensive amenities within the broader New Jackson neighbourhood. The project reached overall completion in 2021, marking it as a significant post-recession revival initiative that builds on an original proposal delayed by the .

Towers and Specifications

Deansgate Square consists of four residential towers of varying heights, forming a prominent skyline cluster in . The South Tower stands at tall with 67 floors, making it the tallest building in and the tallest outside in the . The East Tower reaches 158 metres over 53 floors, the measures 144 metres across 47 floors, and the North Tower is the shortest at 122 metres with 40 floors. Upon completion in 2021, the South Tower ranked as the second-tallest residential building in the UK, underscoring the development's scale in the national context. Ownership of the towers is divided among developers, with Renaker retaining control of the South and East Towers as part of its portfolio of luxury apartments. Investment Management acquired the North and West Towers for build-to-rent operations, marking significant investments in Manchester's rental market. The towers collectively house 1,508 residential units, distributed as follows: the South Tower contains 496 apartments, the East Tower 386, the West Tower 350, and the North Tower 276. This allocation emphasizes the South Tower's dominance in unit count, reflecting its height and prominence, while the overall supports a mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom residences along with penthouses.
TowerHeight (m)FloorsUnitsOwner/Operator
South20067496Renaker
East15853386Renaker
West14447350
North12240276

History

Original Proposal (2007)

The original proposal for what would become Deansgate Square, initially known as the Owen Street development, emerged in during Manchester's mid-2000s boom as part of the city's ambitious Southern Gateway regeneration framework. Developed by West Properties, the scheme targeted a 1.5-hectare site previously occupied by a multi-storey car park, aiming to transform it into a high-density urban quarter that enhanced connectivity between the city center and southern neighborhoods. The framework, endorsed by in May 2007, envisioned the broader Great Jackson Street area delivering around 359,000 square meters of mixed-use space, with Owen Street positioned as a key north-south tree-lined avenue linking the River Irwell to the River Medlock. The proposal featured five towers ranging from 13 to 49 storeys, with the tallest reaching approximately 150 meters, incorporating 1,094 residential apartments, 100 serviced apartments, a 200-room , 36,000 square feet of , and ground-level retail units to foster a vibrant mixed-use environment. Designed by Ian Simpson Architects (now SimpsonHaugh), the towers were intended to create a distinctive while integrating public improvements such as raised gardens, a new walkway, and "coffee pods" for casual social spaces. This design aligned with the Southern Gateway's emphasis on residential-led growth—allocating 55% of the area's floorspace to housing—complemented by commercial elements like offices and small business spaces to support economic vitality. Key planning milestones included the formal submission of the application (reference 085107/FO/2007/C3) in late 2007, followed by approval from Manchester City Council's Planning and Highways Committee on January 17, 2008, after and sustainability appraisals confirmed its alignment with urban regeneration goals. To maintain viability amid economic uncertainty, the permission was extended in 2011, allowing the project to remain active despite delays. The initiative stalled shortly after approval due to the 2008 global , which severely restricted developer funding and credit availability, halting construction on the Owen Street site and leaving it as an eyesore for several years. West Properties, like many firms, faced insurmountable financing challenges in the post-crisis market, preventing the ambitious mixed-use vision from advancing. The project was eventually revived in 2016 as a scaled-down, residential-focused scheme by new developer Renaker.

Revived Scheme (2016)

In the wake of the 2007 , the original Deansgate Square proposal stalled due to economic downturns that halted funding and development momentum in Manchester's urban regeneration projects. By early 2016, as Manchester's economy recovered from , developer Renaker Build took the lead on reviving the scheme, partnering with CQ Investments to submit a revised application in April 2016 for a four-tower residential complex on the Owen Street site. The application emphasized high-density residential development to address surging housing demand in the city center, where had more than doubled since 2002 and was projected to add another 60,000 residents by 2025, driven by post-recession job creation in sectors like media and . Government incentives, including relaxed policies for high-rise builds under the National Planning Policy Framework, further supported such initiatives to boost housing supply amid only 1,706 completed city-center units between 2009 and 2016. Manchester City Council's Planning and Highways Committee reviewed the application, highlighting its alignment with the Great Jackson Street Development Framework and the city's core strategy for sustainable urban growth through residential-led towers. On June 30, 2016, the council granted full planning approval, prioritizing the project's potential to deliver 1,508 luxury apartments over the original mixed-use elements like offices and hotels, thereby catering to the high demand for premium urban living spaces. Key modifications from the 2007 plan included the elimination of the fifth tower to streamline the layout and reduce site density, alongside height adjustments such as increasing the South Tower to 201 meters (67 storeys) to create Manchester's tallest residential building at the time. The revised scheme shifted focus entirely to luxury apartments, with the four towers planned at 67, 53, 47, and 40 storeys, totaling 1,508 apartments to better match market viability in a recovering economy favoring upscale private rentals and sales.

Construction and Completion

Construction of Deansgate Square's and West Towers commenced in 2016, marking the physical start of the development following the approval of the revived 2016 scheme. Work on the North and East Towers began in October 2017, allowing for phased progression across the four-tower complex. The project was managed by main contractor Renaker Build, with specialist firms contributing to elements such as piling and foundations. Key milestones included the of the in May 2018 and the South Tower in November 2018, the latter establishing it as Greater Manchester's tallest structure at 201 meters during construction. The East and North Towers followed with in 2019, advancing the site's transformation of Manchester's skyline. Despite these achievements, the construction phase encountered significant challenges from the , including disruptions and labor shortages that affected timelines across Manchester's building sector. The entire complex reached practical completion in October 2020, enabling initial handovers to residents and investors. Investment Management had previously acquired the 44-storey in 2018 for build-to-rent operations, followed by the 37-storey North Tower in early 2020, representing key post-construction transactions that supported the scheme's rental offerings.

Design and Architecture

Architectural Style and Features

Deansgate Square was designed by the architectural firm SimpsonHaugh, known for their work on modern high-rise developments in urban contexts. The project embodies a characterized by sleek, vertical forms and a uniform geometric facade pattern that emphasizes the buildings' height and integration into Manchester's skyline. The towers feature a fully glazed unitised curtain walling system composed of alternating panels of clear, partially fritted, and fully , creating a subtle chequerboard effect that modulates light and views while maintaining a minimalist aesthetic. Each of the four towers—South, East, North, and West—shares this cohesive but varies in height and subtle detailing to foster visual dynamism within the cluster. The South Tower, standing at , presents a particularly slender profile that accentuates its status as Manchester's tallest residential building, with a 1-metre vertical indentation on each facade forming a distinctive crease that breaks down the surface and highlights verticality. The East Tower, at 158 metres, incorporates angular cut-backs on its sides, allowing the structure to catch light differently throughout the day and adding rhythmic variation to the ensemble. These elements, rendered in silver grey and anthracite tones, ensure the towers appear elegant and less monolithic against the sky. Interior design, led by Lister + Lister, focuses on luxurious communal areas that enhance the residential experience. The shared lobby for three of the towers features a dramatic gold radial ceiling, an open mezzanine gallery, and two grand sweeping staircases that promote fluid movement and a sense of grandeur. These spaces, including adjacent bars, private dining areas, and workspace lounges, are crafted with clean lines and intuitive layouts to create an inviting, hotel-like atmosphere without excessive signage. Individual tower lobbies extend this aesthetic, prioritizing clarity and warmth to serve as the development's social core. The scheme integrates seamlessly with the surrounding urban fabric through a podium-level landscaped realm along the River Medlock, featuring pedestrian links, green spaces, and provisions for cafes and restaurants that connect the towers to street level and nearby amenities. This approach transforms the site into a vibrant destination, bridging the high-rise cluster with Manchester's while preserving .

Engineering and Sustainability

The structural engineering for Deansgate Square was handled by DP Squared, which employed framing throughout the four towers to ensure stability. Central cores serve as the primary resistance against loads, a critical consideration given the buildings' heights of up to 200 meters and Manchester's variable weather patterns. For foundations, the project utilized large bases combined with piling techniques to address the challenges of Manchester's soft, glacial clay soils, minimizing settlement risks while supporting the substantial loads of the high-rise structures. Sustainability efforts at Deansgate Square targeted a 2014 New Construction Very Good rating, emphasizing energy efficiency and resource conservation across the complex. The towers feature a fully unitized glazed walling system with energy-efficient double-glazed panels and elements that provide solar shading to reduce heat gain and cooling demands. While specific systems are not detailed in project documentation, the development incorporates sustainable urban drainage strategies, including permeable surfaces in the landscaped podium, to manage stormwater runoff effectively. Construction innovations focused on efficient in-situ placement to accelerate timelines and minimize waste, with over 110,000 cubic meters of used for walls, floors, and foundations. High-capacity pumping enabled pours up to 204 meters vertically and 300 meters horizontally across the site, allowing for rapid floor-by-floor progression despite the scale. The project complies with UK Building Regulations, including enhanced fire safety measures implemented post-Grenfell Tower inquiry, such as non-combustible systems in the curtain walling and core areas to prevent fire spread.

Residences and Amenities

Residential Offerings

Deansgate Square provides a diverse range of residential units, including one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments as well as three-bedroom penthouses situated on the upper floors of the towers. The total development encompasses 1,508 such units across its four towers. These apartments emphasize luxury through high-end finishes, such as herringbone and bespoke kitchens equipped with integrated Neff appliances, including hobs, ovens, fridge-freezers, dishwashers, and wine coolers. The project features a mix of ownership models, with for-sale apartments predominantly in the South Tower and build-to-rent options in the North and West Towers. Initial off-plan sales launched in 2016, attracting buyers with entry-level prices for one-bedroom units around £232,000 by later phases, while average sale prices reached approximately £497,500 for larger two-bedroom units by completion in 2021. Penthouses command premium pricing, with examples listed up to £2.5 million in recent years. The target demographic primarily consists of young professionals and investors seeking dynamic city-centre living, drawn by Manchester's employment opportunities and cultural vibrancy. Post-2020, the development saw rapid uptake, reflecting strong demand.

Shared Facilities and Services

Deansgate Square provides residents with access to a comprehensive array of shared amenities designed to foster community and convenience, including a fully equipped gymnasium, a full-length , a cinema room, co-working spaces within the business gallery, and 24/7 services across all towers. The amenities are housed primarily in "The Club," a 92,000 dedicated space featuring additional facilities such as a sports hall with an indoor , sauna, steam room, and private dining areas. At podium level, the complex incorporates approximately 2.7 acres of landscaped public realm, including The Garden and The Square, which serve as communal green spaces for relaxation and social gatherings. These areas enhance resident life through integrated event programming and proximity to the River Medlock, though specific features like running tracks or dedicated children's play zones are not explicitly designated within the development's core amenities. Management of the shared facilities is handled by on-site teams, with Legal & General overseeing operations for the rental-focused West Tower, ensuring 24/7 security, maintenance, and resident support. In April 2025, Manchester-based facilities management firm GAME secured a three-year contract to provide specialized services across the complex, bolstering the existing framework. Post-completion, the development has hosted regular resident events, such as social gatherings and wellness activities, with plans for continued expansions in programming announced in early 2025 to further engage the growing resident population.

Significance and Impact

Role in Urban Development

Deansgate Square has played a pivotal role in Manchester's high-rise construction surge during the late 2010s and early , serving as a catalyst for the regeneration of the Southern Gateway area. As the first phase of the broader New Jackson neighborhood initiative, the development transformed a disused 2.7-acre car park site between the River Medlock and Owen Street into a high-density residential quarter, aligning with the Great Jackson Street Development Framework established in 2007 and updated in 2016. This project contributed to Manchester's skyline evolution by introducing four towers, including the 201-meter South Tower—the tallest residential building in the UK outside upon its completion in 2018—adding to the city's tally of over 20 structures exceeding 100 meters by the early . The initiative has spurred further high-rise developments in the vicinity, enhancing the southern approach to the city center and supporting Manchester's transition into a vertical urban landscape. The development addresses Greater Manchester's pressing housing needs by delivering 1,508 premium apartments across its towers, providing high-end city-center living options amid Greater Manchester's ongoing needs, including a target of 30,000 net zero social rented homes by 2038 under the strategy. Positioned in a rapidly growing urban core, Deansgate Square helps alleviate pressure on the market, where central alone anticipates nearly 50,000 additional mostly private residences by 2040 to accommodate population and economic expansion. By focusing on luxury and amenity-rich residences, it caters to young professionals and investors, bolstering the supply of desirable urban dwellings while contributing to the broader goal of sustainable growth in the . Economically, Deansgate Square generated significant during its construction phase as part of the larger New Jackson scheme. Post-completion, the influx of residents has stimulated local commerce through increased spending on nearby retail, dining, and services, amplified by the development's integrated public realm featuring curated shops, bars, and event spaces in The Square. This ongoing economic supports Manchester's vitality as a commercial hub, fostering a self-sustaining neighborhood that enhances footfall and revenue for surrounding businesses. Deansgate Square's location facilitates seamless integration with Manchester's network, situated adjacent to the Deansgate-Castlefield Metrolink stop and within of , promoting sustainable commuting options for residents. The project has indirectly spurred infrastructure enhancements in the area, including upgrades to lanes, pedestrian pathways, and bus facilities along as part of the city's £14 million transformation initiative funded by the City Regional Sustainable Transport Settlement. These improvements, aligned with Greater Manchester's for integrated transit, enhance connectivity to the city center and beyond, reducing reliance on private vehicles and supporting the development's role in a greener urban framework.

Reception and Legacy

Deansgate Square has received mixed critical reception since its completion, lauded for its role in revitalizing Manchester's skyline and establishing a new landmark district on the southern edge of the city center. Architectural commentators have highlighted how the four towers, reaching up to 200 meters, have transformed the urban landscape, creating a vibrant cluster of high-rise residences that symbolize Manchester's ambitious growth. However, the project has drawn criticism for exacerbating housing inequalities, with reports noting its contribution to a luxury-focused development model that prioritizes high-end apartments over affordable options, effectively turning parts of the city into a "playground for the rich." Media outlets such as The Guardian have scrutinized how developers behind Deansgate Square navigated planning requirements to minimize affordable housing provisions, raising broader concerns about the project's impact on social equity. Similarly, BBC coverage has captured resident objections to nearby high-rises, underscoring fears that the development overshadows historic areas and strains the local built environment. In terms of awards and recognitions, Deansgate Square was shortlisted for the 2024 AIA Design Awards, acknowledging its innovative residential design amid Manchester's building boom. While not securing a award, the project has been positively noted in regional architectural discussions for its contribution to high-rise living standards. By , its legacy endures as a catalyst for Manchester's district, influencing adjacent developments like Three60 and , which extend the cluster of tall residential towers along the southern corridor and reinforce the area's status as a hub for modern . In November , approvals for the 246 m tower nearby underscored its ongoing role in spurring taller developments. The development has established itself as a benchmark for sustainable urban living in , with its public realm enhancements— including riverside access and integrated green spaces—promoting community connectivity and environmental integration in a high-density setting. As of November 2025, Deansgate Square is fully sold out across its 1,508 apartments, reflecting strong demand in the city center market. Property values in the surrounding area have appreciated notably, aligning with 's overall market growth of approximately 7.6% year-on-year as of mid-2025, underscoring the project's enduring economic impact.

References

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