Developers Peel have submitted plans for a six-storey office block on vacant land at Salford Quays near MediaCityUK.
Up to 2000 staff could be accommodated in The Regent tower, allowing healthcare firm Bupa to consolidate all their workers into one building.
In addition to 175,000sq ft of open plan office accommodation, the development would include a staff restaurant and gym at ground floor level.
In terms of Section 106 developer’s fees, planning documents state: “It has been agreed that this development should not be subject to a S106 agreement because of the wider benefits of the proposal.”
The plot, next door to the three 18-storey NV apartment buildings, is currently used as a public car park and sits between the Harbour City Metrolink tram stop and the red steel Detroit Bridge which crosses Dock 9 of the Manchester Ship Canal.
One objection to the proposal suggests residents at NV were given assurances the land would not be built on, and the proposal would negatively impact on views and privacy.
But council planners have recommended approval for the scheme, saying the principle of redevelopment was established over 10 years ago, and “Salford Quays is seen by the City Council as being an area for change where new development is promoted and encouraged”.
An increased impact on packed communter Metrolink trams is not considered to be a problem, say planners.
The building will be set back 16 metres from the main road through Salford Quays and “would be appropriate in height and scale to the surrounding area”.
No extra car parking would be provided for the development, but the applicants Peel Land (Intermediate) Ltd suggest spare capacity of around 465 spaces at the Harbour City multi-storey car park “would provide sufficient parking for the proposed development.”
Peel say landscaping works would cost around £1.6 million to implement and maintain for 20 years.
A decision due to be made by Salford City Council on Thursday 3 September.
