55-storey tower could start on site next year, says architect

OMI Architects has floated its proposals for a 544-home, 55-storey tower that would be Salford’s tallest building.

One Heritage Tower, earmarked for Greengate – just across the River Irwell from Manchester city centre – would be taller than Ian Simpson Architects’ 2006 Beetham Tower, but not as tall as his renamed practice SimpsonHaugh Architects’ new South Tower in the city.

OMI held a consultation event on its One Heritage Tower plans last week, although a planning application has yet to be submitted for the proposal.

The architect said the scheme would include a mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments – along with duplexes and penthouses. OMI said the project would also include a residents’ lounge, a rooftop garden, a pavilion, a gym and a library.

OMI's One Heritage Tower proposals, earmarked for Greengate in Salford

OMI’s One Heritage Tower proposals, earmarked for Greengate in Salford

Practice director Nick Berry said the tower was a further demonstration of the practice’s “evolving approach to repairing cities” and bringing new life to “tired and unloved” areas.

“We have worked closely with Salford city council to create a building that not only ties in with Salford’s aspirations for the area but will make a significant contribution to the skyline of this emerging quarter of the city,” he said.

OMI's One Heritage Tower proposals, earmarked for Greengate in Salford

OMI’s One Heritage Tower proposals, seen from New Bridge Street

“It will be seen as a progression from our other major urban developments such as the nearby One Greengate and Anaconda Cut apartment buildings.”

The 33-storey one Greengate Tower is on the opposite side of New Bridge Street from the site earmarked for One Heritage Tower. OMI’s 44-storey Anaconda Cut tower won planning permission in 2016. It was originally known as Exchange Court.

OMI said construction of One Heritage Tower could start next year.

OMI's One Heritage Tower proposals for Salford

OMI’s One Heritage Tower proposals for Salford