Hong Kong stock exchange-listed developer had ’many offers’ for the land

Designs drawn up by Hawkins Brown for a residential development in Manchester are out for public consultation.

Far East Consortium (FEC), the property developer currently converting Hornsey town hall in London into flats, is the client behind the scheme.

FEC, which is listed on the Hong Kong stock exchange and recently expanded its operations in the UK, opted to develop the site on Addington Street in the New Cross neighbourhood of Manchester despite receiving “many offers” to buy the land. 

It is looking to build 80 homes (pictured), designed by architect Hawkins Brown, on the 0.12ha site which is currently being used as a car park.

HawkinsBrown Addington St, Manchester FEC

The developer said it wants the views of local people before submitting a planning application.

FEC project director Hilary Brett said: “We have received many offers to sell the site for different uses however we have decided we wanted to bring forward the site ourselves aimed at the local, residential market in this thriving new neighbourhood.

“We want to introduce our proposals to the local community and genuinely welcome and value their feedback on our scheme.”

FEC’s scheme to turn Hornsey town hall will result in 135 flats designed by Make Architects.

Work on the scheme is due to be wrapped up by autumn 2021.

The art deco town hall dates back to 1935 and is considered one of the UK’s first modernist buildings.