Articles by Ethan Davies

Technology

Last-of-its-kind Manchester pub 'known around the world' in fight over 'reprehensible' tower block plan

A bitter row has broken out between a historic Manchester pub and developers over ‘reprehensible’ plans to build apartments next door. The Marble Arch is the last sloped-floor pub in Manchester, a relic from when barrels were rolled into the premises. Owners of the grade-II listed Rochdale Road boozer, featured in landmark Channel 4 drama It’s A Sin , say they are ‘perplexed’ by developer McGoff’s plans to develop the car park next to them, after understanding the land was earmarked for a public square in a wider regeneration. But in a statement issued this evening (October 31), McGoff has said it is 'unaware' of any plans for a public park. And suggested that that such a use would be "extremely unlikely". Join the Manchester Evening News WhatsApp group HERE The developer said it would not speculate on where such rumours have come from, but stated that the development would provide around 145 "much-needed" new homes. McGoff also said it had been honest and open during meetings with the pub's owners about its plans would "have a positive regeneration impact" on the area. Marble Beers, pub and building owners, have launched a campaign to stop the development by encouraging Mancs to write into a consultation. A spokesperson said: “We recognize Manchester's need to meet increasing demand for high-quality city centre homes and have previously raised no objections to considerable development in our vicinity. “We supported Mulbury Homes' previous application to develop 87 Rochdale Road, despite its scale and prominence, and have endured substantial disruption to our business operations as a result. “Our objection to these plans is not a blanket opposition to development. Rather, we believe the proposal represents a substantial detriment to the area's cultural capital, diminishing the prominence of a nationally significant heritage asset and causing irrevocable damage to the area's character.” Local councillors also appear to be backing the pub, with a joint statement from Coun Sam Wheeler and Coun Jon-Connor Lyons, himself chair of Manchester council’s planning committee, slamming the plans for a 15-storey tower as ‘reprehensible’. The Labour duo said: "The Marble Arch is a Manchester institution known around the world. The proposed development would clearly cause harm to this treasured community pub. “It is reprehensible that a developer thinks they can turn up in our city, impact a hundred year old business, ignore the democratically agreed regeneration framework and further burden the local infrastructure we all pay for, all to profit on building another tower with no social homes. "The developer needs to do a full and proper rethink in collaboration with the local community and elected members to deliver something that makes Manchester better, not worse.” Sean O'Mahoney, chair of CAMRA’s central Manchester branch, added: "High‑rise development directly alongside a listed Victorian pub would fundamentally alter its character and threaten what makes it special.” A spokesperson from the McGoff Group said: “We have no knowledge of the ‘public square’ referenced by the Marble Arch pub and feel that such a use would be extremely unlikely given that commercial businesses were operating from this location, comprising of a car park and retail shop. We wouldn’t like to speculate where such a rumour could have come from. “We have had several separate meetings with the pub management and planning consultant, at which we have been very honest and open about our proposed plans which will have a positive regeneration impact on this key gateway, representing the start of the Council’s ambitions plans for the Victoria North corridor. “We will transform this under-utilised land by providing circa 145 much needed new homes, a commercial unit and new public realm, which will include tree lined pathways, lawns and seating areas. The restoration of a historic Manchester building, currently housing a derelict shop, is incorporated in the plans, allowing this iconic building to return to its former glory with character-filled architecture and style. “Our proposed plans, which have been designed with green credentials at the forefront, will only serve to enhance the historic character of the Marble Arch pub and increase footfall. In fact, Manchester is renowned for its long-established pubs, many of which are surrounded by contemporary new developments and continue to thrive, including The Deansgate , The Black Friar and Picadilly Central to name a few. The city has already set a president for blending modern new builds with older Victorian buildings, and we hope that the Marble Arch and Downtown Victoria North 2 is another great example of this.” A consultation survey is available here until November 7.