| Countryside Properties PLC, the developer of sustainable mixed-use and mixed-tenure projects, has acquired 12.7 ha (31.5 acres) of surplus land from the Department of Health at Withington Hospital in West Didsbury,South Manchester. The major mixed-use scheme has been granted outline planning permission, with a completed development value in excess of £150m. Jim Clarkson from Insignia Richard Ellis, who acted as sole advisor to NHS Estates, commented, "Countryside has acquired the best mixed-use site in the North West. It originally became available for redevelopment when a number of the hospital's departments were relocated to new facilities at Wythenshawe Hospital. South Manchester Primary Healthcare Trust will build a new Community Hospital, adjacent to the land acquired by Countryside Properties." Richard Cherry, Group New Business Director of Countryside Properties PLC, commented, "We are delighted to add Withington Hospital to our portfolio of major mixed-use strategic projects. The scheme will utilise the full range of our skills and abilities in urban regeneration and in residential, and commercial property development. The site is in a prime location with excellent access routes into Manchester and is situated only 5 miles from the City Centre." The site has been granted outline planning permission and Countryside Properties expects to submit its master plan and urban design proposals by April 2002, which will include 25,550 sq m (275,000 sq ft) of commercial space, a 150 bedroom hotel and approximately 380 new homes and apartments. Demolition will start following the decommissioning of the existing hospital facilities, with construction expected to commence early summer 2002. |