Manchester City Council reveal re-vamp masterplan for Central Business Park in Ancoats

The Council have opened up a consultation asking for feedback from residents, local businesses and stakeholders about the regeneration plans for the former Central Retail Park

Written by Thom Bamford
Last updated 1 year ago
City of Manchester, Community, Greater Manchester, Property

The former retail site, just off Great Ancoats Street, is set to be re-developed after the council purchased it back in 2017.

The Council have just revealed sketches on the project, which will also feature a new green space.

They said: “Our new vision involves creating a high-quality, sustainable office district, supported by retail and leisure facilities with attractive public realm at its centre.

“We have taken on board the feedback provided by residents during the 2020 consultation on the desire for more green open space in the area and have included more green space within these updated proposals for the site.

“As well as bringing new jobs and investment to the area, new green space and pedestrian and cycle routes will benefit local residents, workers and visitors alike.”

The drafted plans for the ‘regeneration framework’ says the focus will be on:

New office and workspaces – the site could be home to around 8,000 jobs and contribute to the continued regeneration of the Ancoats neighbourhood and help meet growing demand in this part of the city.
Green spaces – Developing this site will create a new public link through to the adjacent Cotton Field Park and create a green space at the heart of the low-carbon commercial district. The new public realm, which would be open to all, could provide a range of spaces from terraced lawns and informal seating to lush planting.
Retail and leisure spaces – the vision includes spaces for shops and cafés, providing attractive new facilities for local residents, visitors and the new working population on the site.
Connectivity – the vision promotes new and improved links for pedestrians and cyclists in the area, making it easier, safer and more attractive to walk or cycle into the city or towards key transport hubs. The site’s proximity to Manchester’s main transport routes will make it a prime location for future business.

But the Council want you to have your say as they formulate their final plans.

You can have your say online by clicking here.

They will also be hosting two consultations that you can attend.

These events are open to all, including local residents, businesses and other stakeholder organisations, with no need to book in advance.

Both these events will be held at Hallé St Peter’s (40 Blossom St, Ancoats, M4 6BF) on Tuesday 17 January 2023 and will be open from 12pm – 2:30pm and 5pm – 7pm.

These events are an opportunity to talk to the team, find out more and have your say.

If you have any questions about the consultation process, or if you would prefer to submit a consultation response via email, please get in touch with our consultation team:

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 0808 175 3408

Cllr Bev Craig, Leader of Manchester City Council, said:

“We have an exciting opportunity in the former retail site to bring the long-term regeneration story of New Islington to a close, creating a flagship low carbon, green development that has the potential to create thousands of jobs.

“At the heart of our proposals is a green public space that will create a link between Great Ancoats and New Islington Marina for the first time, helping to celebrate Cotton Field Park behind.

“We want this to be a truly valuable investment to Manchester’s regeneration programme and a credit to the city centre. As such, we would encourage feedback on our proposals and invite as many people as possible to take part in the consultation.”

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