Is this the most ambitious regeneration project in Manchester’s history?

Set along the Medlock Valley, between the exciting districts of Ancoats, New Islington and the ever regenerating Sportcity and Etihad Campus, Holt Town is poised to become Manchester’s most ambitious urban transformation yet.

After a year of public consultations, the plans for this revolutionary woodland town are moving full steam ahead. And the vision? A carbon-neutral, people-first community that bridges the gap between the city’s past and its sustainable future.

“Holt Town has huge potential, and this is feeding our ambition to create a brand new woodland town – the first of its kind in Manchester,” said Councillor Bev Craig, Leader of Manchester City Council. “We expect this area to be Manchester’s next urban regeneration exemplar, creating a neighbourhood that meets the needs of our city and our people.”

The redevelopment of Holt Town

The vision will see Holt Town transformed into a low-carbon neighbourhood teeming with life: 4,500 new homes ranging from family townhouses to age-friendly apartments, all surrounded by 15 acres of lush green space. The council have billed the efforts as a holistic approach to urban living.

The development will feature:

• A mix of housing options: At least 20% of the homes will be affordable, including social and council housing.
• Expansive green spaces: Enhancements to the river and canal settings and the creation of a “Confluence Park,” a sustainable urban haven.
• Active travel and connectivity: A 1km pedestrian-friendly “play spine” linking local schools, along with improved cycling and walking routes.
• Local amenities: New shops, health services, and community spaces to cater to the growing population.
• A cultural hub and leisure facilities: Including a lido and creative workspaces to foster a vibrant community spirit.

At the heart of this transformation lies the concept of the “Woodland Town,” which the council’s executive summary likens to the anatomy of a forest.

This layered design approach interweaves heritage and innovation: “From roots to canopy and beyond, the woodland analogy frames the overarching design principles,” the report explains.

Listening to the community

Public consultation has been a cornerstone of Holt Town’s development. Last year, over 10,000 people engaged with the vision through online platforms and in-person events, while workshops with pupils from St Anne’s RC Primary School helped shape the neighbourhood’s play spaces. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive:

1. Strong support for diverse housing options, including affordable family homes and social rent properties.
2. Enthusiasm for new green spaces and community amenities.
3. A call for better connectivity and solutions to traffic issues.
4. Demand for creative workspaces to support local businesses and artisans.

Bridging the gap

“Following consultation, we are beginning to move to the early delivery phase for Holt Town,” Councillor Craig continues. “This new town within the city will finally bridge the gap between the city centre, Sportcity, and the Etihad Campus in east Manchester.”

Holt Town’s strategic location between three Metrolink stops—New Islington, Holt Town, and Etihad Campus—underscores its importance as a connectivity hub. As noted in the executive summary, “With Metrolink services already established at the start, middle, and end of Holt Town, this area is well-positioned to enhance connectivity and support continued expansion in a rapid and deliverable fashion.”

Holt Town – more than just a green space

The project’s commitment to sustainability goes beyond green spaces. Holt Town is set to become a “Sponge Town,” employing innovative water management techniques to mitigate flood risks and enhance ecological habitats.

These features will not only protect the environment but also enrich the quality of life for residents. The report emphasizes the potential of this approach: “A sustainable urban form and innovative water management techniques… help mitigate flood risk while also complementing and enhancing the quality of ecological habitats.”

Another groundbreaking initiative is the “Digital Twin,” a 3D replica of the area designed to guide development and adapt to future needs. According to the executive summary, “This NDF is one of the first planning documents in the United Kingdom to have been informed by the creation of a Digital Twin.” This technology will help monitor environmental performance and involve the community in shaping their neighbourhood over time.

The Play Link

Central to the project is the 1km “Play Link,” a pedestrian-friendly spine that connects schools and encourages intergenerational recreation. Described in the executive summary as fostering a “family-friendly and intergenerational public realm,” this car-free corridor exemplifies the people-first ethos of the development.

The report also highlights the importance of cultural and leisure spaces. The addition of a lido and a 300-capacity cultural hub reflects the area’s commitment to fostering community connections. “Holt Town could deliver a variety of mixed-use areas that amplify and complement the Area’s established network of creative and social enterprises,” the report states.

Holt Town’s industrial roots

Holt Town’s roots as an industrial hub during the 18th century are woven into its future-facing vision. The council’s report celebrates this duality: “Holt Town has a long history of adaptation and growth; change and evolution are in its blood.” By retaining heritage assets and reimagining waterways once used for industry, the development pays homage to its past while setting a course for the future.

The regeneration of Holt Town is designed to unfold in phases, leveraging its proximity to transport hubs and surrounding neighbourhoods. The first phase focuses on integrating with New Islington, Holt Town, and the Etihad Campus, ensuring rapid progress and fostering a sense of community from the outset. “This proposed phasing approach also complements the establishment of the existing walking route from the city to the Co-op Live, SportCity, and the Etihad Campus,” the report notes.

Neighbourhood Development Framework

With Manchester City Council poised to approve the Neighbourhood Development Framework this month, the groundwork for Holt Town is already underway. A detailed phasing plan aims to attract public and private investment, making this ambitious vision a reality over the next decade.

As the city embraces this bold step toward sustainable development, the hope is that Holt Town will not only serve as a blueprint for future regeneration projects but also redefine what it means to live in harmony with nature in the heart of a bustling metropolis.

By blending innovation, sustainability, and community spirit, Holt Town could well be a model for urban regeneration—a place where roots and canopy grow together, shaping a brighter future for Manchester.

You can read the Council’s full report by clicking here