Shortlist revealed for ‘bold and exciting’ Holt Town regen
The successful team will draw up a 10-year vision aimed at guiding the long-awaited transformation of the 74-acre post-industrial no man’s land between Manchester city centre and the Etihad Stadium.
Manchester City Council has shortlisted six multi-disciplinary firms to develop a neighbourhood development framework for Holt Town, which could support the delivery of 4,000 homes.
The shortlist is made up of:
- Allies and Morrison
- Gensler
- Macreanor Lavington
- Planit
- Prior and Partners
- Studio Egret West
It is anticipated that the successful team will be announced next spring, with submissions to be sent to the city council by the end of January.
Once the winner is announced, work is expected to begin as soon as possible on the delivery of the project, which will regenerate an area currently characterised by brownfield land and low-density industrial uses.
Manchester City Council Leader Cllr Bev Craig believes that Holt Town is the “missing piece of the jigsaw” between the city centre and major investment in East Manchester.
“We look forward to seeing the different approaches of the shortlisted team and we welcome fresh ideas and the commitment to see the transformation of this community – including new homes and opportunities to create new employment”, she said.
“This is just the beginning of the journey for Holt Town – a bold and exciting future awaits.”
The authority began its search for the multi-disciplinary team in October, having also recently unveiled plans to revamp other unloved areas including Moston Lane, Strangeways, and Wythenshawe.
This could be the first masterplan commissioned following the publication of Streets For All Design Guidance, so we can expect a modern masterplan built around healthy green streets and walking and cycling links to public transport. Holt Town Metrolink and nearby pockets of green space are underused at present but a great asset to development in this area.
Question is, will this become a cluster of buildings surrounded by hostile roads and disconnected from the city centre, or will Manchester seek some generous S106 contributions to bring Ashton New Road, Beswick Street and Old Mill Street up to Streets For All standard?
By W
A lot of local Manchester and North West based architectural expertise there who are knowledgeable with the area. Well done MCC.
By Wandering Manc
Just here to echo what ‘W’ said.
By Active Travel Trev
I see the old ‘uburb’ (supposed ‘urban suburb’) concept for Holt Town never took off!
By Anonymous
This could be amazing, It needs to be a proper community, linked to.but not an extension of Ancoats and New Islington. Some grand townhouses like the ones in Timekeepers Square in Chapel Street, Salford 3, would be nice here, with squares, which can attract families. I hope that this is not another flop, like the old retail park plans.
By Elephant
The number of homes area divided by the area size should provide more that 138 dwellings per hectare which would add a lot of life and vitality. The redevelopment of Miles Platting next door with semis wasn’t dense enough, so no non-residential services could be provided. Looking forward to seeing this boost the inner city metrolink/bus corridor between the Etihad and Piccadilly.
By Density