A new vision for the former Boddington’s site near Strangeway’s is to be presented to the council this week and could kickstart development across a wider area of the city

The factory site is currently being used as an 852 space car park after the closure of the brewery in 2005 and aborted plans for redevelopment back in 2007.

Establishing a critical mass of people and development at this site could provide the impetus for further investment in the area. The site should provide a link between the City Centre and Strangeways and encourage the expansion of the City Centre northward.

The plan set out is to In the words of the minutes “create of a vibrant, employment led, mixed used neighbourhood attractive to a range of business occupiers but catering specifically for the needs of growing indigenous firms, for example; smaller, independent, creative businesses who are being priced out of the traditional city centre market.”

Any redevelopment will see a
mix of commercial floorplate sizes available on competitive financial terms and flexible sale or leasehold terms providing choice and flexibility for occupiers and enhancing the overall diversity of the city centre.

Complementary leisure and retail facilities including hotel, cafes, bars and restaurants creating vibrancy and vitality throughout the scheme and providing much needed support functions for the adjacent MEN Arena.

The plans call for the creation of a new high quality public central square within the heart of the development together with new pedestrian approach from New Bridge Street.

The ten year plan is being estimated to generate around 1850 jobs.

The report concludes that the redevelopment of the former Boddingtons site is a key opportunity to renew and expand a major area of the city centre, in response to the City’s growth agenda. It could become a major opportunity to capture growth and investment particularly in the textile and independent sector.

Boddington’s had been brewed in Manchester since the 1700’s but in September 2004, InBev announced plans to close the Strangeways brewery and move production out of Manchester to Bristol and Preston.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here