"They say Ardwick is an up-and-coming development, not a community for generations": Residents slam huge development proposal

Proposals to build a 1,840-bedroom student block, new public squares, and a variety of community facilities have been met with a backlash from local residents in Ardwick and Brunswick.

The plans, dreamed up by a consortium of developers — Property Alliance Group, McLaren Property, Moda Living and Kadans Science Partner — also include a life science workspace, 150 new trees, and an improved Gartside Gardens. Currently, they are out for public consultation.

However, a group of residents in Brunswick — the area sandwiched between Ardwick, Upper Brook Street, and Mancunian Way — have banded together to oppose the plans. They are particularly concerned about a 42-storey tower in the project, prompting them to adopt the slogan ‘Stop The Monster’.

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“I would like to think the development would be something positive, not just for Manchester as a city, but for the residents as well,” said Olga Asma, who has called Brunswick home since 2007. “However, I cannot see it in the current proposal, because of the height and sheer size of the buildings. I am personally against inviting 1,800 students into such a small residential area.

“We have a very small park, Gartside Gardens. We do not have enough space to accommodate the 1000s which will include office workers and students.

“It is all about strategic framework, fancy development, fancy words, rather than thinking about people who already live here.”

Her view was shared by Jamil Keaton, who added: “There is a disgusting poster all down Oxford Road which has the word Ancoats crossed out and Ardwick underneath. On their website, they say Ardwick is a new up and coming development, not a community who have lived here