Mass Timber Buildings Approved in Manchester Push Sustainability Envelope

Manchester City Council has approved two 12-storey mass timber residential towers, marking a bold shift in sustainable building policy. The approval sets a precedent for tall timber construction in the UK.

The towers, designed by Hawkins&Brown, will use cross-laminated timber (CLT) sourced from sustainably managed European forests. The project aims for BREEAM Outstanding certification.

“Timber has a lower carbon footprint, faster build time, and aesthetic warmth,” said lead architect Emily Hoare.