Work Grinds to a Halt at Origin

2.28.28pm BST (GMT +0100) Fri 10th Apr 2009

The Origin site before development work started in 2008

Work at the controversial West Properties building site known as 'Origin' at the corner of Princess Street and Whitworth Street has come to a grinding halt due to financial problems. No work has taken place on this site for several months, since the foundations for the car park were dug out last year. City Planners say they are in urgent talks with site owners West Properties, but cannot say when building on site will resume.

The news has angered local city centre Lib Dem Councillors and local residents who campaigned against the building.

"It's little more than another slap in the face for local residents, who now have to look out on a derelict building site," said City Centre Cllr Marc Ramsbottom.

"We are now pressing the Council to restore some of the lost parking bays in the area, and re-open footpaths, because if their is likely to be no works going on, then these should be put back in use immediately", he added.

He has also written to the Council Chief Executive about the matter.