Plans drawn up for 15,000 new homes in north Manchester

Plans are being drawn up to build 15,000 new homes in a long neglected area of north Manchester.

The ambitious ‘Northern Gateway’ project, one of the largest residential-led regeneration projects in the UK, aims to build a mix of 15,000 new homes over the next 15 years with 3,000 affordable homes across the area.

The project is a joint venture between Manchester City Council and property developer Far East Consortium (FEC) and the idea is to develop new and existing neighbourhoods as part of an extended city centre.

The neighbourhoods will be connected to the city centre through improved walkways, cycleways and public transport.

A draft Strategic Regeneration Framework to transform the area between NOMA to the North of the City Centre and Queens Park will be discussed at a meeting of Scrutiny Committee next week.

Central to the plans for the area is the development of a City River Park – a central green space along the banks of the River Irk that will provide a natural green corridor between Angel Meadow at the city centre end of the development area and Queens Park.

This ‘green heart’ will also branch out directly into neighbourhoods to encourage cycling and walking along the River Park.

The plans also include retail, leisure, health and educational facilities.

Redevelopment will be kicked off by the delivery of 110 new homes for social rent subject to £10.25 million of Government funding.

Councillor Suzanne Richards, executive member for Housing and Regeneration at the council, said: “The Northern Gateway is central to the city’s strategy to build truly affordable new homes that meet local people’s needs.

“The city needs 25,000 homes over the next decade and this project aims to contribute to this target, delivering 15,000 homes in the next 10 to 20 years.”
FEC project director Tom Fenton said: “Northern Gateway will reconnect the city centre and the outer lying northern communities. It will offer a range of housing types to cater for a diverse range of Manchester’s population on a variety of incomes and will become a new destination within the city.

“Northern Gateway offers the city centre a chance to naturally expand northwards from Victoria Station and in doing so, regenerate the communities of New Cross, Irk Valley and Collyhurst and act as a catalyst for further connectivity into Cheetham Hill, Miles Platting, Moston and beyond.”

Tom Fenton added: “Northern Gateway will unlock the development potential of 390 acres by creating vibrant communities of family homes, parks, schools, healthcare and other public facilities.”

Consultation on the draft Strategic Regeneration Framework for the area is due to begin during August when local residents, businesses and landowners will be asked for their ideas for the area and for their views on the current plans before a final Framework is developed later in the year. The Framework will act as a guide for future development in the area.

The draft Strategic Regeneration Framework is due to be agreed as a basis for public consultation by the Council’s Executive on 25 July.