Manchester City Council (MCC) and Salford City Council (SCC) have unveiled bold plans for the long-term regeneration of the Strangeways and Cambridge areas.
The draft Strategic Regeneration Framework (SRF) will be reviewed by both Councils' executive and cabinet committees, laying out a vision for extensive investment and development in the 130-hectare city fringe area over the next few decades.
The draft SRF builds on the efforts of the Operation Vulcan policing operation, aiming to foster legitimate business growth, create a major new urban park, and provide substantial new housing, including affordable homes. The plan also envisions significant commercial and employment opportunities, estimating up to 7,000 new homes across seven distinct neighbourhoods and an increase in commercial floorspace of around 1.75 million sqft, potentially supporting an additional 4,500 jobs.
Councillor Bev Craig, Leader of Manchester City Council, commented:
“This framework is our shared long-term vision, alongside our colleagues in Salford, to deliver a transformation in the Strangeways and Cambridge communities.
“We have an opportinity to create a platform for development and investment, enabled by the successful work carried out by the Operation Vulcan partnership, to support businesses to grow and prosper in these neighbourhoods - creating thousands of new jobs and support the ongoing growth of our city – alongside a major new public park and new homes, including Council, social and genuinely affordable housing.
“We know this area has challenges, including the prison that presents a key barrier to the regeneration of the area, but we also know that there is energy and a community brimming with potential.
“We will deliver huge change in Strangeways in the coming years, working alongside the people who live and work there, and as we move to consultation in the coming weeks, we want to speak to local people and businesses about how we can make this part of the city thrive.”
The regeneration strategy aligns with Manchester's goal to become a zero-carbon city by 2038 and addresses environmental concerns, such as flood risks associated with climate change. The framework also seeks to engage with the Ministry of Justice on the future of HM Prison Manchester, a key barrier to the area's regeneration ambitions.
Key Themes of the SRF include:
- Business and Employment
- Green and Blue Infrastructure
- Movement
- Heritage and Culture
Following council approvals, public consultation on the SRF will commence at the end of March, with findings to be presented in future Executive and Cabinet meetings.
Image credit: iStock
