Manchester City Council have announced that an updated draft regeneration strategy for Ancoats and New Islington has been drawn up.
Whilst both neighbourhoods were key regeneration sites for the city and a previous strategy for their development was set out in the 2008-2018 East Manchester Strategic Regeneration Framework, the 2008 financial crisis and the severe reduction in public sector funding programmes has meant much of the work has slowed down.
As the previous regeneration strategy for the neighbourhoods realised, Ancoats and New Islington has significant development land opportunities to support projected population growth and continuing economic growth in the city – attracting and keeping an economically active population.
Due to renewed development activity and interest in both neighbourhoods in recent times, an updated neighbourhood development framework has been drawn up to reflect the changing context of Ancoats and New Islington.
Now the council says that the two neighbourhoods are also key to support future growth as part of the planned expansion of the city centre north and east of the city centre area in the next 10 to 15 years.
The central location affords the neighbourhoods huge advantages in terms of location, with excellent transport links , that have recently improved further with the expansion east of the Metrolink service, and close proximity to employment opportunities.Aesthetically, Ancoats and New Islington’s attributes are highly desirable, being a distinctive area with unique heritage assets that offer a fantastic opportunity to creatively reuse its historic buildings.
The new proposals include, say the council High quality, mixed residential homes set it a well-managed environment to encourage new neighbourhoods of choice.
A licensing regime that will encourage a family-friendly, residential community. Pedestrian friendly developments with the encouragement of walkable neighbourhood layouts, and a car strategy to minimise on-street disruption and encourage alternative, sustainable forms of transport.
A new retail area Great Ancoats Street, including a new supermarket and cinema complex, is also planned to support the growing community in Ancoats and New Islington.
Cllr Jeff Smith, Manchester City Council’s executive member for housing and regeneration, said: “Ancoats and New Islington has been a key regeneration objective for the past twenty years. We have made great strides and some fantastic successes were achieved, but like many developments, these areas were hit by the recession.
The public are being invited to take a look at the plans at a series of events over the next month before the council’s executive committee considers the plans later in the year
Open consultation events will take place on the following dates:
3 July 2.30pm – 7pm at St Michael’s Church, George Leigh Street, Ancoats
17 July 2.30pm – 7pm, Vivid Lounge, Great Ancoats Street, New Islington
22 July 8am – 10 am, Unit 2, Royal Mills, Redhill Street, Ancoats.
