Historic 19th century church to be surrounded by 23-storey tower

A historic city church is set to be built around to make way for a 23-storey tower, new plans show.

The Particular Baptist Chapel has stood on Rochdale Road since roughly 1840, but has been disused for some time. However, the building faces a new future being completely surrounded by an apartment block of 133 flats.

Developers Cynergy say the facade of the chapel will remain, as will its internals. Its newly-unveiled plans for ‘wellness residences’ show the facade will be used as an entrance, and the original ‘balustrade and cast-iron columns would be preserved’ in a reception and co-working area.

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“The existing chapel would serve as main entrance to the proposed residential development,” Cynergy said on the project’s consultation website. “The façade, which fronts onto Rochdale Road, would be incorporated into the design of the building. Inside, as much of the chapel has been incorporated into the design as possible.

“The balustrade and cast-iron columns would be preserved and stand as proud reminders of the chapel’s rich history, blending seamlessly with the modern design elements of the development. The large arched window at the front would provide natural light, casting a soft, warm glow that accentuates the chapel’s architectural details.”

Cynergy says the design has been developed to ‘achieve a seamless blend of old and new’, by ‘continuing the architectural language of the chapel up through the proposed development with the structural grid, respecting the heritage while confidently asserting its own identity’.

The part-20, part-23 storey tower will have 40 one-bedroom, two-person apartments; 92 two-bedroom, three-person apartments; and one two-bedroom, four-person apartment.

It will also feature a concierge, gym, ‘spa and wellness facilities’, social areas, co-working space, ‘secure cycle storage’ and a communal roof terrace. It is not clear yet how many flats will be affordable.

The public consultation on the Rochdale Road proposals is open until Monday, October 21, 2024. The public can have their say online here, or by emailing: info@rochdaleroad-mcr.com