International architectural practice EWA will design the new Irish World Heritage Centre in Manchester after obtaining planning permission from Manchester City Council.

The £7m centre is part of an extensive 25-acre regeneration programme and is expected to replace the existing Irish Centre in Cheetham Hill.

The scheme features construction of a hotel, gym, recreation space and 23,000m² of commercial space.

The structure will be made out of traditional stone and timber panelling, and resembles an Irish ring fort featuring walled enclosures to create public space in the centre.