Plans have been unveiled for a new 23-storey tower that will envelop the historic Particular Baptist Chapel on Rochdale Road, Manchester.
- The chapel dates back to around 1840 and, despite being disused, holds significant historical value.
- Developers, Cynergy, have pledged to preserve the chapel’s facade and key internal features as part of the new apartment complex.
- The development will feature 133 flats with modern amenities, including a gym, spa, and co-working spaces.
- Concerns remain regarding the affordability of the flats despite the appealing amenities.
The unveiling of plans for a new 23-storey tower that will envelop the historic Particular Baptist Chapel, located on Rochdale Road, Manchester, has sparked interest and some concerns. The chapel, which dates back to around 1840, is currently disused but stands as a monument of historical significance. The proposed development will transform this site into a modern apartment complex comprising 133 flats.
Developers Cynergy have articulated a clear commitment to retaining the chapel’s character by preserving its facade and key internal elements. A ‘wellness residences’ concept is proposed, incorporating the chapel’s facade as the entrance to the new residential structure. Important architectural features such as the balustrade and cast-iron columns will also be maintained, allowing them to blend seamlessly with contemporary design elements.
Cynergy’s ambitious vision extends to ensuring the design ‘achieves a seamless blend of old and new’, by ‘continuing the architectural language of the chapel up through the proposed development’. This includes 40 one-bedroom, two-person apartments, 92 two-bedroom, three-person apartments, and one larger two-bedroom apartment.
Some of the modern amenities planned for the development include a concierge service, gym, and spa facilities, catering to a lifestyle of convenience and luxury. Additionally, social areas, co-working spaces, and secure cycle storage will be available, along with a communal roof terrace that promises attractive leisure opportunities for residents.
While the development proposal seems promising, a notable area of concern remains the affordability of these flats. The developers have yet to disclose how many units will be categorized as affordable housing, leaving potential buyers and local residents pondering the accessibility of the new residences.
The proposed development skilfully melds historical preservation with modern living, yet leaves questions about affordability unanswered.
