Decision delayed on Manchester office block plan amid debate over historically significant Victorian building

Councillors have postponed their decision on plans for an office block in Manchester's Northern Quarter amid debate over the demolition of a historically significant building.

Developers Soller Nine are hoping to demolish some buildings within the block bordered by Lever Street, Great Ancoats Street, Little Lever Street, and Houldsworth Street, near the Bem Brasil restaurant.

They plan to replace them with an 18-storey office block boasting 180,000 sq ft of floorspace, reusing some facades as entrances. The developers claim this will contribute £34 million to Manchester's economy.

Some structures on the site date back to 1781, while others are from the Victorian era. The developers argue that 'a number of buildings' on the plot 'are unsafe, as demonstrated by the partial collapse in May', necessitating their demolition and redevelopment.

However, heritage groups have criticised the plan. The Victorian Society contends that the demolition would cause 'significant harm', as it would result in