Plans for Barrow Motors Site Revealed
Derelict garage on site. Nice.
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November 2004
Our news team is aware of four major new housing developments planned in Northenden. Perhaps the most prestigious of the proposed multi-million pound developments will be constructed on the site of what is known as Barrow Motors - which has been rumoured for several months - and we can now exclusively reveal the details which have been given to us.
Between 1970 and 2000, this was one of Northenden's most successful businesses, changing and adapting to the surroundings and the motor trade economy. Spending a significant portion of its time as a Ford dealership, then selling other makes of car including Vauxhall, the site underwent a major renovation in the 1990s but sadly has since closed down and now stands empty. This has been the situation for a number of months now.
Since earlier in the year rumours have been circulating of a buyer who is proposing to redevelop the site. There has been talk that this will not be just another "identikit" block of flats resembling thousands of others across South Manchester but will be unique in several ways and will significantly improve not only the appearance of the village but also the quality of residents' lives.
We have been informed that the features of the proposed new development may include:
- The main block, on the corner of Church Road, will be a five storey brickwork construction. To the rear of this and along Palatine Road will be a lower block boasting similar architecture to the main construction
- Extensive basement parking facilities (one per flat is proposed) served by lifts offering residents easy access
- State of the art interiors with all flats equipped with cable TV and broadband multimedia connections
- A 100ft copper and brickwork tower, which will be a Northenden Landmark, clearly visible for miles around the village. As time goes by the copper will take on a highly distinctive green hue as shown in our artists impression
- The purpose of the tower is not yet clear however there is an abundance of possibilities including a water tower and a radio mast
Plans are at an advanced stage and clearing of the site is scheduled to take place very soon. Construction of the foundations is expected to start soon after that.
Within 18 months, this new development and other similar ones could increase the population of Northenden by as much as 30% - a much needed boost for local commerce. Most of the new flats, as has become the tradition with such developments in recent years, will be bought up by accomodation agencies or buy-to-let landlords. It is estimated that a high percentage of the new units have already been reserved, with buyers contacting the developers direct. It is therefore no surprise that the projected figures for 2005 show an increase in Northenden's population with temporary tenants, students or people awaiting council accomodation or re-housing by the government, accounting for the greater part of the increase.
Our graphic artists have produced these impressions of how the village may look with the new flats constructed on the Barrow Motors site. Click on the thumbnails below to get a view of how the site looks now, and also to see the artists' impressions. We're sure you will agree, a vast improvement on the current situation.
