Plans to build a 26-storey block of flats next to one of Manchester's most historic pubs have been abandoned. The scheme, proposed by Arrowsmith Management in 2021, would have erected 72 apartments next to the grade II-listed Britons Protection on Great Bridgewater Street.
The Britons Protection is a pub more than 200 years old. The tower plans sparked fears over the future of the pub and its beer garden.
Opposition and Withdrawal
Former owner Mark West said in late 2021 he was 'dumbfounded' by the proposals. "We are vehemently opposed to it. It's just absolutely ludicrous. I'm worried this could mean the pub will cease to exist," he said at the time. He warned the building would block light to the beer garden and disrupt the pub during construction.
A consultation before the 2022 planning application claimed a 'sensitive approach' would be taken, promising the beer garden would remain unchanged. But the plans have now been withdrawn, with a decision notice published on Manchester City Council's website this week.
Relief for New Owner
Mark Brennan, who took over the pub in January 2025, said he was relieved. "I'm quite happy to be honest, a lot of people say the pub might be busier with more people about, but that doesn't necessarily translate to people coming in here," he said. "It would have looked horrendous, this pub's 220 years old, so ruining the backdrop of that as well, and it would have affected the sunlight in the beer garden. It's grade II listed so the pub should always be here, it wouldn't have been a good look having a big ugly building on top of our building."
Arrowsmith Management was approached for comment.
