Have your say on ‘the most significant regeneration project in Manchester for a generation’

It’s time to have YOUR say on plans for Mayfield, the £1.1 billion development which will eventually encompass 30 acres centred on the new derelict Mayfield railway depot next to Piccadilly station.

Planning applications for phase one of the massive scheme – called “the most significant regeneration project in Manchester for a generation” –  will be submitted this summer.

But before that, the Mayfield Partnership is staging four community consultation events starting when architects, planners and other members of the regeneration team will be on hand to take members of the public through the proposals and encourage feedback.

With offices, homes and cultural focal points set around Manchester’s first city centre park for 100 years, the Mayfield Partnership is aiming to create a truly world-class economic and socially inclusive neighbourhood.

The plan is to create, over the next decade, an iconic mixed-use community including world-class office space, homes, leisure facilities, event space, bars and restaurants around the park and extensive public realm.

A 6.5 acre managed public park and playground will straddle rejuvenated banks of the River Medlock.

Beyond this, the developers are pledged to “use the very best of the site’s historic and natural assets to create a new gateway for Manchester where commerce, culture and community will thrive.”

Most of the park and public realm will, subject to consent, be delivered in this first phase. The vision is to create a haven for nature in the city’s first park in a century.

Also included in this first phase of planning applications is an eight-storey commercial office development of 90,000 sq ft and a multi-storey car park on Baring Street with around 550 spaces made up of standard and electric charging point bays with flexibility built-in to alter the quantities of each or re purpose the structure when car requirements dwindle.

This year’s Manchester Pride, the internationally renowned festival, which is one of the biggest in the world, has announced Mayfield as the exciting location for its new live music element – Manchester Pride Live.

It will take place over two days, Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th August, and host about 30 artists across two stages in and around the Mayfield Depot.

The Mayfield Partnership comprises LCR, Manchester City Council, Transport for Greater Manchester and regeneration specialist U+I.

Adrian Lee, development manager at LCR, said: “Mayfield will be an exemplar of what can be achieved when the public and private sectors come together to combine their skills, assets and expertise: a truly distinctive place which will deliver commercial and social value in equal measure and a magnet for enterprising and creative people and organisations.”

Mike Mellor, head of commercial and marketing at Transport for Greater Manchester, said: “What will be unique about this project is its blend of qualities and assets: we are combining green space and the river with truly inspiring architecture, all in a place which is astonishingly well served by transport infrastructure.

“It’s a hugely exciting opportunity for the city region.”

James Heather, development director at U+I, said: “At the heart of our vision is the creation of a world class and socially inclusive neighbourhood which will attract businesses, residents and visitors, all drawn by the quality and vibrancy of the environment we are creating.

“We look forward to sharing our detailed proposals with the people of Manchester in May this year and I know from the conversations I have had with many people over the last two years there is a great deal of excitement about what Mayfield will deliver for our city.”

Subject to consent, work will begin later this year.

A spokesman said: “It is important to The Mayfield Partnership behind the scheme, that this part of Manchester, with a strong industrial and social past, comes back to life with the support of the local community.

“Please come and have your say.”

Mayfield Depot, Baring Street, M1 2PY: Friday 10th May 12pm – 7pm, and Saturday 11th May 12pm – 7pm.
Medlock Primary School, Wadeson Road, M13 9UJ: Friday 17th May 1pm – 4.30pm.
Piccadilly Gardens: Saturday 18 May 12pm – 5pm.