New Islington: Chips

• Location:

  Manchester UK

• Site Area:

  0.4 Hectares

• Client:

  Urban Splash

• Architects:

  SMC Alsop

• Engineers:

  Martin Stockley Associates

• Project value:

  £13 million

Chips is a unique building structure comprising residential and retail space. The challenge was to transform the largely derelict site into a safe, attractive and vibrant landscape that would establish a benchmark for the New Islington project.

The surrounding canal network has been enhanced and extended to define a new character for the area, drawing on the site’s history and emphasising nature conservation within the urban context. Features include a terraced water garden flanked by common reed planting and a timber pedestrian bridge, as well as incidental details and traditional elements such as mooring rings and timber fenders.

A timber ‘skirt’ around the building connects to the canal towpath. Semi-mature trees offer visual contrast to the architecture, as well as shade and habitat. Adjacent to Chips, a large, paved space is furnished with sculptural stainless steel lighting columns and coloured concrete seating. Other street furniture such as bollards and distinctive edge details provide drama and interest at key locations leading into New Islington.