Plans have been unveiled for over half a million sq ft of cutting-edge commercial space and vibrant public realm to the area, alongside the creation of 4,000 new jobs in the centre of Manchester
It is part of Manchester’s new £1.7 billion innovation district and neighbourhood Sister
Located between London Road and Altrincham Street, Zone C will deliver two new buildings, featuring flexible workspace, community and leisure spaces and a new public square for events and activities.
This phase will also breathe new life into key heritage assets, including the Grade II-listed Hollaway Wall and viaduct arches, to create a more welcoming, accessible environment for visitors, residents, and commuters.
The plans will also see the activation of the Grade II listed viaduct arches, with the introduction of new retail and leisure operators, alongside community uses. In a major boost for city centre commuters, this area will also deliver new pedestrianised access on Altrincham Street, improving walking and cycling routes connecting Piccadilly Station and Mayfield Park to the Oxford Road Corridor knowledge quarter, and improving the safety and accessibility for all visitors.
Community use and public access is at the heart of the designs, with the creation of a new public square and outdoor spaces, designed by landscape architects SLA, that will help to transform the area into a vibrant destination, firmly cementing Sister as a new go-to neighbourhood in the city centre and creating a more welcoming experience for those visiting the area.
Interspersed throughout the area, there will be new planting, ample seating and green spaces to promote biodiversity and wellbeing for local residents. The new outdoor public square at the centre of the plans will provide opportunities for large-scale events, activities and cultural activations to be hosted.
This major phase follows the approval of the ID Manchester Strategic Regeneration Framework, which was adopted by Manchester City Council in December 2023 and laid out the plans for the overarching vision for the underutilised area of the city.
Sam Darby, Development Director for Sister and Bruntwood SciTech, said: “Following the successful opening of the Renold Innovation Hub last Autumn, we’re really excited to now be getting underway with the next stage of our ambitious plans. Zone C marks a significant part of the site and will truly change the face of the neighbourhood moving forward.
“That’s why we want to hear from as many local people as possible to understand what they would like to see from our plans and how we can create a place that not only benefits the wider city region through job creation and opportunity, but also creates a vibrant neighbourhood where people want to live and socialise as well. Our consultation period has been designed to be accessible and we’re hoping to hear from a real cross section of the local community to make our plans truly inclusive.
“Our plans are ambitious, but also sensitive to the area and its heritage. Through this next phase we want to create a place that provides opportunity, promotes innovation and brings the community together. Sister is a place for everyone and we’re looking forward to continuing our work with the public to make sure it continues to deliver.”
The consultation will run from Monday 17th February to Sunday 9th March, with the in-person consultation events taking place at the following times:
Renold family friendly community day:
- Saturday 1st March, Renold Building, 11-3pm
Drop-in events:
- Tuesday 4th March, Renold Building, 4-7pm
- Thursday 6th March, St Thomas Centre, Ardwick, 4-7pm
Anyone who isn’t able to attend in person can view further information on Zone C and take part in a survey via the consultation website: http://sistermanchesterconsultation.com.
