Collyhurst earmarked for Northern Gateway’s first phase

The Northern Gateway programme has the potential to deliver around 15,000 homes across north Manchester in the next decade, with Collyhurst earmarked for the scheme’s first phase, it has been announced.

The 155-hectare area stretching northwards from the city centre – from NOMA and New Cross, through the Irk Valley to Collyhurst – will be the largest contributor to the city’s residential growth strategy to meet rising demand, Manchester City Council said.

The Northern Gateway project is a joint venture between Manchester City Council and property developer Far East Consortium (FEC).

The project is one of the largest programmes of work in the UK and the biggest in Manchester since the regeneration of East Manchester following the Commonwealth Games in 2002.

The Collyhurst neighbourhood will be one of the first areas to benefit from the investment where the area will become a key focus of the North Manchester Housing Affordability Zone which will create a focus for mixed-type affordable homes investment, including new council-owned social housing and a range of accessible housing products for sale and affordable rents.

Collyhurst has been a “key area” for investment since the cancellation of a major PFI scheme in 2010. Work has already taken place in the area to improve the current housing stock and to demolish obsolete or poor quality housing.

A draft regeneration framework and masterplan for the Northern Gateway will be considered by Manchester City Council’s executive in the summer, before a full public consultation.

Cllr Bernard Priest, deputy leader of Manchester City Council, said: “We have a once in a lifetime opportunity in the Northern Gateway to improve and develop a huge swathe of unused land within walking distance of the city centre and employment opportunities.
“In doing so we will be able to meet the modern housing needs of Manchester and help build a mix of housing types and tenures to provide a true housing choice for Manchester people – and help meet a huge demand for quality homes in the city over the coming decade.

“We are already in the process of securing additional grant funding to push forward with the first phase focused on Collyhurst – to build new social homes and other affordable housing products – and we will consult with residents around the proposals at our earliest opportunity.”

Tom Fenton, project director of FEC, said: “With the Irk river valley acting as the catalyst for change, Northern Gateway will unlock the development potential of 350 acres by creating vibrant communities of family homes, parks, schools, healthcare and other public facilities, all linked by new public transport hubs.

“Alongside the investment by FEC and the council, Northern Gateway offers an unrivalled opportunity for everyone with interests in north Manchester to contribute to its transformation.

“Through our partnership with the city council we are committed to Collyhurst and the delivery of a mix of homes that will meet the needs of existing and new residents, including affordable housing and properties for market sale.”