Consultation primed for late summer on 4,500-home Holt Town vision

Manchester City Council’s executive committee will be asked to approve the next step toward delivering the development framework being drawn up for the East Manchester neighbourhood.

The local authority is developing a 10-year plan for the regeneration of 74 acres of post-industrial land, a project that has long been on the city’s list of urban renewal projects without ever gaining enough traction.

Holt Town has the potential for 4,500 homes including significant levels of affordable housing, commercial space which could attract 1,500 jobs, and the creation of 91 acres of public realm and green space

Should councillors approve going out to consultation with the framework at the executive committee meeting next Wednesday, 24 July, it would likely start later this summer for six weeks.

Earlier this year, Studio Egret West was chosen to lead a multi-disciplinary team which includes Deloitte, MVRDV NEXT, Turley, AKT II, Hilson Moran, Deetu, and Hatch, to draw up the neighbourhood regeneration plan.

This maps out how 74 acres of brownfield land can become linked between the city centre, Sports City, and the Etihad Campus in east Manchester.

It would present a natural extension of the ongoing, long-term regeneration in Ancoats and New Islington, according to the council.

The aim is to achieve a low-carbon, sustainable neighbourhood moving the area from a post-industrial to a modern urban district, while acknowledging heritage buildings and canal waterways.

An eye-catching feature of the framework is the dedication of 15 acres of public and green space, including a play link for young people to enjoy outdoor activities.

It is hoped that safe walking and cycling routes connecting the developments to the surrounding communities and the city centre could drive a reduction in car use around the area.

Digital technology could also be woven into the project to modernise the way residents can access public services from traffic management to waste collection.

Cllr Bev Craig, leader of the council, said: “The evolution of East Manchester over the last two decades is driving forward our exciting plans for Holt Town.

“The neighbourhood is an underloved area of the city and investment in this community will create that vital missing link between the city centre, Ancoats and New Islington and the ongoing investment at Sport City and the Etihad Campus.

“Holt Town is an ambitious opportunity to create the equivalent of a new town in the city. A brand new district showcasing innovation, culture and sustainability – including 4,500 new homes, with a focus on affordable housing – that will support continued and sustainable economic growth for our city.”

Cllr Craig added: “The momentum to deliver our ambitions follows the successful regeneration of Ancoats and New Islington and this platform is already driving the regeneration ambitions for Holt Town – which will drive innovation, create new jobs and support population growth, new high-quality green spaces, and a new era for urban renewal in Manchester.”