The Strategic Regeneration Framework for the former Central Retail Park in Manchester is expected to be approved tomorrow (22 March), paving the way for it to be redeveloped as a sustainable office district.
Manchester City Council bought the 10.5-acre site in 2017 and is hoping to attract government occupiers following interest from the Government Property Agency.
The framework for the site, close to the recently opened Mayfield Park, was originally agreed in 2020 and updated to include a six-week consultation earlier this year.
Responses were largely focused on the need to have usable green space and biodiversity, creating a welcoming area that should feel like a park – rather than a harder landscaped city centre space.
Respondents also raised the hope that the new green space would be created as a continuation of Cotton Field Park.
Following the consultation, the SRF has also been updated to include a plan for how the development site will connect to wider walking and cycling routes.
Key principles for future development include:
- The creation of a highly sustainable, commercially-led neighbourhood which also includes leisure uses and facilities for local people – diversifying the economy of the area and bringing brownfield land back into use.
- Proposals to act as a catalyst for continued investment and innovation to boost sustainable economic growth.
- Improved biodiversity, increased green space and extensive new public realm. The updated SRF increases the proposed green space compared to 2020 framework.
- Improved connectivity aligns with aspirations to provide safe walking and cycling routes, and also encourages active travel.
- The framework reacts to the need for quality office space in this part of the city centre, increasing employment opportunities.
- Proposals could also create a new business hub providing opportunities for existing and new businesses to grow.
The SRF proposes a phased approach to development, to allow the full potential of the site to be realised and to minimise disruption during construction. The exact timing of development will largely be driven by commercial office space and market requirements.
Leader of Manchester City Council Bev Craig said: “The feedback we received through the recent consultation has been a helpful guide in further developing the framework plan for bringing the former retail park back into use – and importantly the investment in a new public green space in our city centre, complementing Mayfield nearby, Electric Park, Cotton Field Park and the upcoming transformation of Ancoats Green.”
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