Next phase of Ancoats plots 400 homes

Six parcels of development land at Poland Street and New Islington could deliver hundreds of new homes and a range of business and community facilities, under plans from Manchester City Council, Manchester Life and Great Places.

The council and the two housing providers have launched early-stage proposals for four sites around Manchester’s Poland Street and two sites in New Islington for public consultation today.

The project would represent the next phase of development of the Ancoats area by Manchester Life, a partnership between the city council and Manchester City FC owner and investor, Abu Dhabi United Group. But it also aims to ensure a joined-up approach between development in Ancoats and other projects in the neighbouring New Islington area.

Manchester City Council, Manchester Life and affordable housing provider Great Places signed a 10-year cooperation agreement in 2019 to identify viable sites for housing delivery in East Manchester.

Four sites mapped in the plans launched for consultation today focus on kickstarting regeneration of the Poland Street area to connect it into the heart of Ancoats, while the two housing sites identified in New Islington would continue regeneration efforts that have previously centred around the marina, the parties said.

The main aims are:

• To offer a broader choice of homes and affordable housing in the area, with plots earmarked to deliver around 400 homes across a range of tenures
• To create new commercial spaces for local businesses to serve the community and increase economic activity
• To improve public realm and prioritise walking rather than driving, through ‘active travel’ initiatives and sustainable transport options

The consultation also proposes an ‘Ancoats Mobility Hub’ – an emerging concept of a shared car and cycle parking facility for residents and visitors, with electric vehicle clubs and charging, and a last-mile delivery consolidation centre to reduce vehicle movements and street parking.

Plans for the mobility hub have been developed in response to Manchester’s city centre transport strategy and wider climate change commitments.

Following consultation feedback and subsequent planning applications, work is expected to start in 2021, the parties said.

The consultation, which will run until 11 January, can be found here.

Manchester Life Development Company was set up in 2014 to regenerate Ancoats and deliver housing for Manchester’s growing professional population. To date over the past five years, it has invested £250m and delivered 1,460 homes and 20 commercial units in the neighbourhood.

Great Places has been a key partner in New Islington since the start of the regeneration activity in 2006 and owns or manages around 200 properties in the area across different tenure types.

Separate, detailed consultations are to be launched for each planning application in the months ahead.

Manchester City Council leader Sir Richard Leese said: “Future development across Ancoats and New Islington provides a significant opportunity to ensure that the past five years of transformation delivered by Manchester Life and others continues to see East Manchester emerge as an inclusive place of employment and opportunity.

“Maintaining this momentum and focusing on the needs of the city is vital as Manchester recovers from Covid-19. Through our partnership with Manchester Life and Great Places, we can ensure a coordinated approach to identifying community priorities and delivering on the city’s current housing, economic and sustainable transport priorities.”

He added: “The city council will also use this exercise to guide a public realm and green space improvement exercise across the neighbourhood.”

Marty Edelman, executive chairman of Manchester Life, said: “We’re committed to supporting East Manchester’s future success by working with the community, other developers and local businesses on this next phase.

“As we test and refine proposals, it is vital that we understand the future housing and community needs of residents who have already made Ancoats and New Islington their home.

“We’re confident that the coming years will see East Manchester emerge as home to an even more diverse and economically active community.”

And Matthew Harrison, chief executive of Great Places, added: “We are pleased to be working towards the delivery of two key sites that will bring forward a range of affordable housing options for those who wish to live close to the city.

“We look forward to engaging with local residents on our plans and continuing to approach the regeneration of this key neighbourhood alongside our partners.”