Manchester’s regeneration plans with New City Centre Park at its heart

The Council’s executive is expected approve an ambitious vision for the Water Street neighbourhood at a meeting next week (Weds 8 July) following overwhelming public support for proposals set out in a public consultation earlier this year.

More than 90% of respondents supported the key principles of the draft Water Street Strategic Regeneration Framework (SRF) update that will create a new city centre district developed around a new urban park.

The SRF is a high-level blueprint for future investment that will guide development through the planning process. The SRF– sets out plans for a new landscape-led neighbourhood that combines new homes, including affordable tenures, improved public spaces, enhanced walking and cycling connections, and significant new green infrastructure centred around the River Medlock.

The consultation responses from residents, businesses and stakeholders, expressed particularly strong support for the environmental and public realm improvements proposed for the site.

The updated framework responds to the significant transformation that has already taken place around Water Street in recent years, including nearby developments such as St John’s, Trinity Islands, Potato Wharf, Enterprise City, Aviva Studios and Campfield.

Building on this success, Water Street now presents a strategic opportunity to create a distinctive new neighbourhood that complements surrounding communities and supports Manchester’s continued growth, while providing opportunities for recreation and wellbeing, and reconnect people with the River Medlock.

The regeneration is expected to deliver a range of benefits, including:

• A significant new city centre park accessible to residents, workers and visitors.

• New homes, including at least 20% affordable housing.

• Enhanced walking, wheeling and cycling connections linking Water Street with surrounding neighbourhoods and the city centre.

• New jobs, skills and investment opportunities.

• Increased biodiversity and sustainable drainage features.
• A highly sustainable, largely car-free neighbourhood supporting Manchester’s zero-carbon ambitions.

The framework also highlights opportunities to create new connections to Liverpool Road, St John’s and a potential future extension of the National Trust’s Castlefield Viaduct project, helping to strengthen links across the city centre.

Importantly, the consultation responses recognised the potential of the development to become a thriving, inclusive community.

More than a third of respondents welcomed the ambition to deliver affordable housing, while many also called for community facilities, local amenities and high-quality public spaces that would support long-term neighbourhood growth.

Upon final approval, the new SRF will form part of a robust development brief for potential developers to engage the Council as part of an open marketing disposal process anticipated to commence next year.

Read the Executive report in full

Cllr Gavin White, Manchester City Council’s executive member for housing and regeneration, said: 

“The wider Water Street area has seen major regeneration in recent years with world-class investment at St John’s and Aviva Studios on its doorstep, alongside impressive residential developments. This renewed regeneration framework will help guide investment to bring this area up to the same ambitious level with new housing, including affordable housing to create an inclusive new neighbourhood, complemented by a brand-new city centre urban park.

“This is a major opportunity to deliver an exciting new district, new jobs and green space, that will enhance the quality of life for existing and future residents, while helping to meet demand for quality new homes and support Manchester’s ongoing economic growth.

“In the remaining Water Street sites, we have a blank canvas with a huge amount of potential. We look forward to schemes being brought forward to deliver a unique space in our city centre.”