Moston regeneration moves forward 

Delivering affordable homes across a clutch of opportunity sites around Moston Lane is one of the key tenets of the city council’s vision for the North Manchester suburb. 

The authority’s executive is expected to sign off a development framework that underpins future regeneration proposals next week, following a period of public consultation. 

A series of sites totalling 16 acres that could support the delivery of affordable homes have been identified. 

These include a site off Whittaker Street abutting Tulketh Industrial Estate and the former Manchester College site, where redevelopment work is underway.   

An upgraded local centre, proposed on land off Moston Lane and around Cole Street, Albine Street, and Pym Street, could also feature an element of residential. 

Ebsworth Street Car Park and 1.6 acres of cleared land off Winston Road also feature in the first wave of opportunity sites identified by the council.  

The city council is already progressing plans for homes in the area as part of Project 500, which looks to deliver affordable housing on brownfield land across the city. 

As well as identifying sites for the delivery of affordable homes, The Moston Lane Development Framework outlines certain interventions aimed at improving the area for residents. 

These include redeveloping the local centre and public square, enhancing connections to existing green spaces including Boggart Hole Clough, improving active travel infrastructure and reducing traffic, and supporting local businesses and promoting opportunities for retail and commercial units to grow. 

In all, the framework proposes seven projects aimed at driving improvements in the area. 

These are: 

• Establish a stronger local centre with the creation of a new community-focused public space  
• Support the delivery of new homes, including affordable housing   
• Improve the quality and management of the existing private rented homes  
• Enhance the quality of the public realm along Moston Lane  
• Support more sustainable movement and active travel through Moston Lane and the surrounding green spaces  
• Enhance existing public spaces for the local community  
• Manage and improve car parking within the centre. 

Moston Lane could also benefit from a share of £5m awarded to Manchester City Council through the government’s Shared Prosperity Fund to invest and improve district centres across Manchester.   

Around £1m of this funding will be used for a range of projects in and around Moston Lane. These include investing in three local public spaces – the Peace Gardens, Moston Green, and the Simpson Memorial Hall – as well as work to improve local parking and investment in the local environment that includes new alley gates and commercial bin stores.   

Cllr Gavin White, Manchester City Council’s executive member for housing and development said: “We have put together an ambitious plan for Moston Lane and one that we feel will deliver a high street and district centre that better meets the needs of local people – and create a real destination in the community.   

“The next step is to develop some more specific plans for Moston Lane, and as these ideas begin to come to life, we will be asking local people for their feedback again. But we also want to keep momentum going and we will be looking to start some projects quickly.” 

The Moston project is latest non-city centre regeneration initiative being pursued by the city council. 

It follows the launch of a search for a joint venture partner to support the city council with its £750m plans to regenerate Wythenshawe. 

Cllr Bev Craig, Leader of Manchester City Council, said: “We are committed to generating investment right across the city, and we have some exciting plans for our district centres outside of the city centre and improving local high streets which are essential hubs for our communities.    

“We are already coming up with new plans in Moston, Gorton, Withington, and Wythenshawe – alongside other neighbourhoods across North Manchester – will all receive improvements to better serve the residents who use them every day.”