For the first time 'affordable' flats will be provided as part of a Manchester city centre skyscraper residential project.

The 30-storey scheme at Swan Street will include 19 flats priced at 80% of the market rate. They will be part of a 358-unit scheme, and will cost the developers Cable Swan £1.4M, the Manchester Evening News reports.

Until now Manchester City Council have preferred affordable housing to be provided outside the city centre where land values are appreciably lower.

Cable Swan is a joint venture including Sir Robert McAlpine, Britannia Group, Prime Developers and Foundation Real Estate.

The decision to press for affordable housing in a city block comes after a year of sustained pressure from backbench Labour members of the council.

Labour members, frustrated with the council's policy claimed in a motion: "This Council notes that developers have often used viability assessments to avoid their obligations to provide affordable housing."

Council leaders responded by saying they would "unpick" the rules on affordable housing.