Design in Details
101 Queens Road, Cheetham Hill, Manchester M8 8UT is a planning led pre application concept developed by Muse Architects. The work explores how a constrained gateway site at the junction of Queens Road and Appleford Drive could be brought into more productive use; adjacent to the Queens Road bus depot; and within reach of Manchester city centre and key public transport corridors. The emerging proposal sets out a potential route to transform an underutilised plot into a high quality, residential led mixed use building; designed to respond to the existing urban fabric; maintain a consistent building line; and seek to improve the setting of the adjacent listed building, subject to heritage assessment and the relevant consents.
Muse’s approach began with evidence led analysis; site and townscape review; building height and context mapping; transport connectivity; local amenity and green space review; and a planning history scan to understand earlier constraints and typical areas of concern, including massing, streetscape integration, and effects on heritage assets. This work informed a design direction for a contemporary feature building at a key approach into the city; aiming to balance a stronger identity with contextual scale and a robust residential environment.
- Strategic Planning:
We believe every successful project starts with thoughtful planning. Our team carefully analyzes space, functionality, and client needs to create efficient layouts that balance practicality with visual appeal. - Creative Design Solutions: Our designs combine creativity with purpose. Whether residential or commercial, we craft unique architectural concepts that reflect personality, enhance usability, and bring innovative ideas to life
- Modern & Stylish Architecture: We focus on contemporary aesthetics, clean lines, and elegant materials to create modern, stylish spaces that feel fresh, sophisticated, and timeless.
- Functional & Inspiring Spaces: From homes to commercial environments, we design spaces that inspire comfort, productivity, and connection; ensuring beauty, functionality, and long-term value in every project.
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Incredible Result
The emerging layout indicates 18 apartments in total; a mix of 1 and 2 bedroom homes; organised around efficient circulation with lift, stair, and smoke control strategy, subject to detailed fire and building regulations design. Ground level is configured as the functional hub; integrating back of house services, refuse and recycling, plant space, secure cycle storage and car parking; alongside residential accommodation intended to support an active frontage. Upper floors seek to optimise housing delivery within the established constraints; while maintaining proportions and set backs that can be tested against planning policy and detailed daylight, privacy and servicing requirements.
Sustainability is embedded through a city living approach; prioritising public transport, walking and cycling; secure cycle provision; EV charging; and design development aligned to responsible material selection, SuDS principles and waste management. Any performance targets, including potential BREEAM aspirations, would be confirmed through the next design stages and consultant input.This pre application concept illustrates Muse Architects’ capability in planning strategy, context led design, heritage sensitive massing, and preparation of documentation suitable for early engagement. The scheme’s form, quantum, access, servicing, and sustainability measures remain indicative; and would be developed further in response to LPA feedback, technical due diligence, and statutory approvals.
