A collaboration of three parties are to develop the largest remaining site in east Manchester to provide up to 92,900 sq m (1m sq ft) of mixed commercial space at the former Monsall Hospital site.
The scheme, Moston Brook Business Park, will create a whole new business quarter for the city. The North West Development Agency, Manchester council and English Partnerships are jointly bringing the 28.3 ha (70 acre) site forward. It is believed the partnership will not act as developers, but will take on other partners to develop the site, or sell off parcels of land.
Moston Brook will cost around £50m to develop and is believed to have an end value of circa £100m. The scheme will benefit from a mix of UK government and EU funding, although final figures have not yet been decided.
Outline consent has already been granted and all those involved are currently working up a detailed masterplan for the site.
Peter Gallagher, head of agency at Dunlop Heywood, joint agent for the scheme with Chesterton, said: “It’s widely believed this scheme and Sports City are the two principle projects to push regeneration forward for this area. They’re pivotal to east Manchester’s strategy and will create a commercial market in this area.”
Work will start on site imminently for the 13.3ha (33 acre) first phase, comprising infrastructure, including a spine road for the office and industrial development. The site will also have the city’s Metrolink running through it. Phase one of the business-park will be ready in autumn this year.
EGI News 24/05/00
