Manchester Council’s executive is expected approve an ambitious vision for the Water Street neighbourhood at a meeting next week following overwhelming public support for proposals set out in a public consultation earlier this year.
The Regeneration Framework (SRF) will create a new city centre district developed around a new urban park.
It sets out plans for a new landscape-led neighbourhood that combines new homes, including affordable tenures, improved public spaces, enhanced walking and cycling connections, and significant new green infrastructure centred around the River Medlock.
Plans include a significant new city centre park accessible to residents, workers and visitors, New homes, including at least 20% affordable housing and Enhanced walking, wheeling and cycling connections linking Water Street with surrounding neighbourhoods and the city centre.
There will also be opportunities to create new connections to Liverpool Road, St John’s and a potential future extension of the National Trust’s Castlefield Viaduct project, helping to strengthen links across the city centre.
Cllr Gavin White, Manchester City Council’s executive member for housing and regeneration, said:
“The wider Water Street area has seen major regeneration in recent years with world-class investment at St John’s and Aviva Studios on its doorstep, alongside impressive residential developments.
This renewed regeneration framework will help guide investment to bring this area up to the same ambitious level with new housing, including affordable housing to create an inclusive new neighbourhood, complemented by a brand-new city centre urban park.
“This is a major opportunity to deliver an exciting new district, new jobs and green space, that will enhance the quality of life for existing and future residents, while helping to meet demand for quality new homes and support Manchester’s ongoing economic growth.
“In the remaining Water Street sites, we have a blank canvas with a huge amount of potential. We look forward to schemes being brought forward to deliver a unique space in our city centre.”
