24/4/2008 Downing is first for gateway site

George Downing Construction, the in-house contracting division of property group Downing, has completed the first phase of one of Manchester’s largest redevelopment projects.

The group has celebrated topping out at its £40 million Parkway Gate development - part of the 20-acre First Street master plan (formerly known as Central Spine) being developed in conjunction with Ask Developments.

When the internal fit-out is completed in autumn 2008 the scheme’s three towers will represent the first new build development at the key gateway site.

Parkway Gate features a 718-bed student village and 5,000 sq ft of retail space, across three striking buildings designed by Ian Simpson Architects, the acclaimed firm behind the Hilton Tower.

Each of Parkway Gate’s three towers has a unique visual concept. Building one is clad in Cor-ten, which gives it the same finish as the Angel of the North. Building two uses the SBC Silk Facade System, imported from Holland, which gives it a multi-coloured effect. Building three utilises the same system with its external elevations over-clad with a glass screen facade printed with educational language.

The area has been earmarked by the city council as one of the city’s key strategic developments. The topping out ceremony was performed by Sir Howard Bernstein, chief executive of Manchester City Council.

Ian Orton, Director of George Downing COnstruction, said: “Parkway Gate is part of a bigger picture of success and progress which you can draw around the entire Manchester City Region. Our scheme makes the most of a key gateway site and will complement the wider vision for First Street.”