‘Forgotten’ estate next to the Etihad Stadium is about to get a huge revamp

A major regeneration project for the Grey Mare Lane estate in east Manchester has kicked off today, inviting local residents to share their thoughts on the ambitious redevelopment plan.

Grey Mare Lane regeneration

The project aims to revitalise the estate, originally built over 50 years ago, with plans to construct at least 1,000 new homes.

A significant portion of these will be affordable housing, making it easier for people to find quality homes in the area.

The council say they have been reviewing and updating a previous 2021 masterplan for the 23ha estate – around 23 football pitches in size – expanding the ambition of the proposals to a larger footprint that will look to deliver at least 1,000 new homes.

What do the council have planned for Grey Mare Lane estate?

Green and sustainable living

The masterplan includes several eco-friendly upgrades:

• New Cycle Lanes and Walking Routes: Making it safer and easier to get around without a car.
• Enhanced Green Spaces: New parks and play areas for children of all ages.
• Sustainable Drainage Systems and Street Greening: Improving the environment and aesthetics of the neighbourhood.

Community focused development

The heart of the estate will be transformed with:

• Improved Retail and Community Facilities: Better shops and spaces for community activities.
• Safer Streets for Kids: Introducing school or play streets to protect children near East Manchester Academy and St Brigid’s School.

Traffic and access improvements

Plans also include:

• • Junction Upgrades: Reducing lanes at the Bell Crescent and Alan Turing Way junction to ease traffic.
  • New Access Routes: Creating easier ways to enter Grey Mare Lane from Newcombe Close and Raglan Close.

Voices from the Community

Cllr Gavin White, the City Council’s executive member for housing and development, stressed the importance of community input.

He said: “The Grey Mare Lane estate is, for many reasons, a great place to live.

“There are already lots of affordable homes, great connections to the city centre via various public transport options, schools and colleges close by, and this community is at the heart of the transformation of the wider area – now globally recognised for sport and leisure.

“However, 50 years after the estate was first built by the Council, this neighbourhood needs investment that will keep it in step with the wider area. And we know residents have been waiting patiently for the plans to come forward.

“The Council has updated the masterplan for the estate with ambitious proposals to build at least 1,000 new homes in the area – alongside green spaces and new routes for walking and cycling.

“Now we need local people to give us their feedback and I’d urge as many people to take part as possible.”

Helen Spencer, Executive Director of Growth at Great Places, added, “We are committed to involving residents in these plans to make sure the estate remains a place they are proud to live.”

Lisa Johnson, Director of Development at One Manchester, emphasised the critical role of resident engagement. “Engaging with residents is essential as the area undergoes large-scale investment and development.”

You can respond to the consultation by clicking here