Cynergy Wellness Residences is bringing forward proposals to breathe new life into the former Baptist chapel building on Rochdale Road, Manchester.

Below, you’ll find more information on the site, our plans, the consultation process, and our next steps.

Introducing Cynergy Wellness Residences

At Cynergy Wellness Residences, we deliver homes that have been designed to prioritise wellness through an approach which brings together science and services.

Our ethos is underpinned by a belief that wellness is a state of body and mind, where we feel the best version of ourselves.

With a unique approach to wellness, Cynergy Wellness Residences offer an experience which encompasses the physical, mental and spiritual needs of our residents. 

The Site

The proposed site is bound by Northern Angel to the north-east, Rochdale Road (A664) to the south-east, and Hampton by Hilton to the north-east. It will also soon be adjacent to the Premier Inn, which will occupy the car park to the South-West of the site upon its completion.

The site currently comprises a disused Baptist chapel, which occupies roughly three quarters of the site, and off-street car parking. The proposal provides an excellent opportunity to enhance this heritage asset through restoring and enhancing the existing building and breathing new life into the corner of Sharp St. and Rochdale Road

Aerial view of the site (image courtesy of Google Maps).

The site is situated in a highly sustainable location, with a range of public transport options close-by. It sits on a number of central bus routes which travel directly to Manchester City Centre, while Victoria Station, which provides access to national rail links and the regional metro network, is just a 10-minute walk away.

Though the site lies just beyond the extents of the central ring road, it retains good pedestrian links to Piccadilly, Deansgate, Ancoats, and Salford. It is also located close to Ancoats, a city-centre residential area which boasts an array of independent shops, restaurants and bars.

The site

Overview of the proposals

The project seeks to breathe new life into the disused chapel building by delivering much-needed city centre housing. A total of 133 homes are proposed in a mix of 1- and 2-bedroom apartments, which would be supported by a range of amenities including a concierge-manned reception, gym, spa and wellness facilities, social areas, co-working space, secure cycle storage and a communal roof terrace.

As an important heritage asset in the area, the façade of the former Baptist chapel fronting Rochdale Road has been carefully integrated into the design to ensure it can be retained and preserved.

133 homes

  • 40 1-bedroom, 2-person apartments 

  • 92 2-bedroom, 3-person apartments

  • 1 2-bedroom, 4-person apartment

2 communal roof terrace

67 secure cycle parking spaces

Concierge-manned reception

Gym, health and wellbeing facilities

Design

The design proposal comprises a part-20, part-23 storey tower which incorporates elements of the disused Baptist chapel currently on the site. 

Given the ongoing redevelopment in the surrounding area, which lacks a consistent architectural character, the proposal seeks to connect the site with its surroundings by drawing inspiration from the Baptist chapel. By reinterpreting and incorporating key elements from the chapel, the design responds to the scale and architectural lines of the existing façade, creating a harmonious relationship with the context.

Design Evolution

1. Revealing the Chapel

The first step in the design development was to ensure that the existing chapel remains prominently visible. The layout of the development has been carefully crafted to incorporate the chapelas a focal point and primary entrance. This approach not only honours the historical significance of the chapel but also seamlessly integrates it into the new urban fabric.

2. Stepped Rear Facade

The presence of an existing six-story residential building on Dyche Street influenced the decision to incorporate a stepped rear façade. This will help to mitigate overshadowing on neighbouring properties, while also enhancing the visual appearance if of the development from street level.

3. Receded Primary Facade

Receding the primary façade was a strategic move to amplify the visibility and prominence of the chapel. This design choice allows the chapelto take centre stage, reducing the visual dominance of the new development and ensuring a more harmonious relationship with the existing streetscape.

4. Cantilever Over the Pavement

By setting back the ground-floor commercial unit, additional space is created for pedestrians, enhancing the public realm and offering opportunities for urban biodiversity. The alignment with the adjacent Baptist chapel, combined with the cantilevered residential structure, adds a dynamic and dramatic element to the streetscape, while also providing shelter and enriching the pedestrian experience.

5/6. Contrasting Existing Heritage Asset

The façade strategy incorporates a rigid grid that deliberately contrasts with the fluidity of the existing chapel façade. This intentional contrast ensures that the new development stands out as a contemporary addition that complements the historic structure rather than attempting to replicate a historic style, which could risk appearing as pastiche. The design achieves a seamless blend of old and new, 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.

Design Evolution

Chapel Retention Plan

The existing chapel would serve as main entrance to the proposed residential development. 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.

Stepping inside, the open foyer would provide a welcoming and inviting atmosphere. The large arched window at the front would provide natural light, casting a soft, warm glow that accentuates the chapel’s architectural details. This window would not only serve as a striking focal point but also offer views of the surrounding area.

Proposed view from the Chapel entrance

To the rear is where the thoughtfully designed co-working space would be situated, providing a dynamic yet serene environment for residents to work and connect. The space would have an open and airy feel, enhanced by the height of the chapel’s original ceiling.

Combining the historic and the contemporary would create a unique, vibrant environment that brings together the past and the present.

Proposed view towards the Chapel entrance

Landscape and Access

The development includes a rooftop terrace which would offer residents a multi-functional space with both communal and more semi-private areas, and could be used for health and wellness activities, outdoor dining, work stations and relaxing seating spaces.

The overall landscaping strategy will prioritise enhancing the former Baptist Chapel, incorporating strategic lighting, and integrating sustainable urban drainage solutions where feasible. The existing gravestone paving will be restored and incorporated into the proposed development.

Access, Servicing and Waste Management

Vehicular access for servicing, waste removal, furniture drop-off and emergency access is focused along Dyche Street. The Great Ducie Street Strategic Regeneration Framework indicates that this road will become a through route as the adjacent sites are developed.

General waste and recyclables from the apartments shall be manually taken by residents to the refuse and re-cycle bins located on the ground floor.

Waste and recycle bin containers will be rotated by the on-site team to ensure all bins are fully used, where they will be taken periodically to the refuse collection area on collection day. The frequency and timings of collections will be agreed with the local authority.

Have Your Say

The consultation on our proposals for Rochdale Road will be open for three weeks, from Monday 30 September to Monday 21 October 2024.

As part of the consultation, we’re keen to hear your views on our plans. If you would like to provide feedback, you can do so by completing our online questionnaire.

Alternatively, you can also tell us your views or ask any questions via email: info@rochdaleroad-mcr.com