“Successful regeneration starts and ends with community engagement” Council sets out Collyhurst regeneration masterplan

Manchester City Council has laid out an ambitious blueprint for the comprehensive regeneration of Collyhurst, aiming to transform this historic neighbourhood in north Manchester over the next decade.

The Council have said that they are committed to ‘engaging the community’, ensuring that local voices are heard every step of the way.

The regeneration of Collyhurst

Since summer 2023, the Council has been actively engaging with Collyhurst residents to shape the future of their community.

These efforts include co-design workshops and consultation events, which have been instrumental in developing a master plan aimed at making Collyhurst a vibrant place for both current and new residents.

Key elements of the regeneration plan include the construction of more affordable, sustainable homes and a diverse range of housing options to accommodate residents at different life stages.

Additionally, the plan focuses on creating high-quality green spaces and enhancing walking and cycling routes, leveraging the area’s proximity to the city centre and improving connectivity to neighbouring communities.

Education and transportation enhancements

Education is a significant aspect of the regeneration effort.

The Council is considering new education provisions near Ringstead Drive to ensure that primary and secondary school needs are met as the community grows.

Moreover, a potential highlight of the project is the proposed investment in a new Metrolink tram stop at Sandhills.

This would not only enhance transport links but also serve as a focal point for new town centre developments, driving further economic growth in the area.

Key Principles for the regeneration of Collyhurst

The Council’s regeneration strategy for Collyhurst is underpinned by several key principles:

Community Involvement: Ensuring local residents are at the heart of the development process through meaningful engagement.

Retention of Existing Community: Offering opportunities for current residents to remain in Collyhurst and benefit from its redevelopment.

Phased Development: Clearly communicating the timeline for different phases of development to residents.

Replacement of Council Homes: Guaranteeing that any demolished council homes are replaced, allowing residents to stay within the community.

Single Move Rehousing: Minimising disruption by ensuring that any necessary rehousing involves a single move to suitable accommodation.

Support for Homeowners: Providing assistance to owner-occupiers affected by redevelopment to remain in suitable homes.

Affordable Housing: Increasing the availability of affordable housing options, including council homes, affordable rent, and affordable sale options.

Sustainable Growth: Developing a mix of housing types and tenures to support a growing, sustainable community with robust local services and amenities.

What’s happening in Collyhurst at the moment?

The initial phase of the Victoria North programme, part of the larger Collyhurst regeneration effort, is already underway.

In Collyhurst Village, 244 new homes are being built, including 100 council homes for social rent.

These developments are complemented by new public spaces, retail, and community facilities.

The first social rent properties are expected to be completed by autumn 2024, welcoming new residents soon after. This phase is projected to be fully completed by 2026.

Victoria North – a visionary urban renewal

Collyhurst’s transformation is a cornerstone of the Victoria North project, one of the UK’s largest urban renewal initiatives.

Over the next 10 to 15 years, this joint venture with FEC aims to create a new town within the city, featuring 15,000 new homes across 155 hectares of brownfield land.

This development will be interwoven with high-quality green spaces and will celebrate the River Irk, revitalising it for the first time in decades.

Leadership and commitment

Cllr Gavin White, Manchester City Council’s executive member for housing and development, emphasised the significance of early investment in Collyhurst: “The energy and momentum of the Victoria North programme are crucial for the future regeneration of this neighbourhood. Although progress is being made, there is still much to do to help these communities thrive.”

Victoria Hunter, Project Director at FEC, highlighted the importance of ongoing community engagement: “Successful regeneration starts and ends with community engagement.

“Our consultation has been essential in understanding how we can foster inclusive growth and shape our work based on evolving feedback.”

You can find out more about Collyhurst Village by clicking here