Manchester City Council are to reexamine plans for the development of the former Central Retail site in the City Centre with a new high-quality, green public space at the heart of the former retail site
Earlier plans approved in 2020 saw the site being turned into car parking but now the council is pledging to create a link between Great Ancoats Street to Cottonfield Park and the growing New Islington community behind.
The plans will focus on creating a high-quality, sustainable office district to bring the currently vacant former retail park back into use and a range of new employment opportunities, including through the construction phase of the development project.
Thousands of jobs are expected to be located at the site, many of which will be new employment opportunities to the city.
The report updating on the strategic redevelopment of the former Central Retail Park site will be heard next week requesting approval for a new consultation to start in the New Year.
Cllr Bev Craig, Leader of Manchester City Council, said:
“The former Central Retail Park is a key site and one of the final pieces of the puzzle in the long-term regeneration story of New Islington, which has the potential to create thousands of new jobs in the city.
“For decades the site has created a physical barrier between Great Ancoats Street and the growing community around New Islington Marina. Developing this site will create a new public link through to the existing Cotton Field Park behind and create a green space at the heart of the low-carbon commercial district.
“We have a real opportunity to create a flagship, highly sustainable development of renown – and we would encourage people to take part in the consultation.
“An six-week consultation will begin in early January and we invite feedback around the proposals for site.”
