BOLTON based contractor Forrest has been appointed to deliver the second phase of a £24.4 million residential project in Manchester.

The private rented sector development in Ancoats, named X1 The Plaza, will include 201 one, two and three bedroom apartments built over 10 levels.

Construction is due to begin in February and completion expected in autumn 2017. The site also includes a gym and 102 car parking spaces.

Forrest was also appointed to develop the first phase of the scheme last year, which is set to be finished by this summer.

Neil Ashworth, head of new build at Forrest, said: “Developing the first phase of this scheme was our entrance into the PRS sector and this second appointment is further evidence of the quality our team is capable of delivering.

“Bolstering our credentials in the private residential market continues to be part of our ongoing diversification strategy. New build private development is set to continue across the country in line with growing demand for owned and rented properties. This, coupled with our track record in high-rise residential, means we’re in a particularly strong position to capture work coming forth across the industry.”

Melissa Green, operations and regional director at developers X1, said: “We are delighted to be working with Forrest again on X1 The Plaza following our successful partnership to date on X1 Eastbank. These development schemes have proved extremely popular with both already being fully sold out.

“Having seen the surge in demand within the private residential market, phase 2 promises 11 luxury penthouses, seven townhouses and an assortment of 201 exclusive one, two and three bedroom apartments.

“X1 has already registered a high volume of interest amongst those keen to secure accommodation ahead of the Summer 2016 completion date of X1 Eastbank and we look forward to replicating the same success upon completion of X1 The Plaza.”

Knight Knox is the agent for the development with the original design completed by DK Architects.

X1 is a UK-based residential developer and investor, founded in Liverpool with a portfolio of more than 30 projects in the sector.