A funding package of more than £30m has been agreed by Manchester City Council for the revitalisation of the public realm in Ancoats and associated infrastructure.
Following a consultation held earlier this year broad support was found for the plan to enhance the area, which would include the construction of 1,500 new homes and improvements to green space as well as new walking routes and the innovative Ancoats Mobility Hub.
Homes England has committed £28.1m to the project which, combined with the £4.7m allocated by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority through the Brownfield Housing Fund, brings the total budget to £32.7m.
Works will get under way this year with completion scheduled for early 2026.
The funding secured is expected to lever in additional private investment of around £450m for the delivery of the 1,500 homes as well as additional privately funded works.
Councillor Bev Craig, leader of Manchester City Council said: “As the Council looks to improve our neighbourhoods and drive positive development it is essential that we look at the whole picture on what makes an attractive and liveable community. The strategy in place for Ancoats is the realisation of our ambitions to promote active travel, increase the amount of green space and have sustainable housing at the heart of our communities.
“The historic layout of Ancoats, with its rigid streets bordered by old mill buildings have to some extent determined the way the area has developed. However, by putting people first, and placing the needs of pedestrians at the heart of this plan we hope that this can set a benchmark for future development.”
Sophie White, director of infrastructure funding at Homes England, added: “We are committed to working with ambitious local authority partners seeking to meet their local housing needs through delivery of key infrastructure. Our multimillion-pound funding will allow Manchester City Council to deliver much needed public realm and the innovative Ancoats mobility hub to encourage the use of sustainable travel modes.
“This investment will help to unlock critical housing sites in Ancoats and support the Council to achieve their wider housing targets.”
To send feedback, e-mail samantha.mcclary@eg.co.uk or tweet @samanthamcclary or @EGPropertyNews
