Laing O’Rourke has signed a pre-construction services agreement while it negotiates a final price for the project to be built in the Greengate district, overlooking Manchester arena.

One Heritage Tower will comprise 545 flats, secured underground car parking, a residents’ library and gym, and extensive public realm.

Director of One Heritage Jason Upton said: “We have undergone a rigorous assessment process to reach this stage and it’s a credit to the development and project management teams for getting us to this key milestone. 

“Laing O’Rourke have responded energetically to the challenge and demonstrated their appetite for working alongside us.  I look forward to continuing the fantastic momentum on this project.”

Consultant project director Awais Shahid from Atzaro Real Estate, said: “In spite of the problems posed by covid-19 we’ve remained on target, with no slippage to our programme. 

“The project team has worked collaboratively under trying circumstances and we’re pleased to have been able to keep valued members of the professional community in work.”

Shahid said the tower’s components would be pre-fabricated off-site by Laing O’Rourke in sterile factory conditions, making new social distancing guidelines easier to fulfil.

“We’ll also be able to minimise the number of bodies on site as a result, which will make our site work safer,” he added.

Ceire O’Rourke, Director of UK Clients and Markets at Laing O’Rourke said: “We are looking forward to working with the forward-thinking team at One Heritage, who recognise the advantages of our approach based on early engagement between client and contractor. 

“The project will maximise the use of digital engineering and off-site manufacture using a kit of parts from our factory in the East Midlands. There is much work ahead, but we’re excited to have the opportunity to deliver this stunning project.”