Manchester Council says major investment at Ancoats Green is now underway to create a ‘much-improved’ city centre park space.
The Green will act as a new focal point for the area as part of a wider public realm investment in Ancoats that will celebrate the industrial and manufacturing heritage of this part of the city centre.
The project will include new walking and cycling routes to encourage active travel through the neighbourhood, significant new planting – including new wildflower areas and wetland planting – and a range of new trees that will add colour throughout the year.
The council say that community has been a central focus of the investment, creating high-quality multi-functional green space for existing and future generations, including new play areas with accessible equipment, open grassed areas, generous footpaths and space for hosting small events.
As a nod to the history of the site, once central to the flint glass works district of Ancoats, the entrances to the space will include design features that reference its industrial past.
The Green will also seek to create a seamless route from the Council’s This City affordable housing scheme on Rodney Street (One Ancoats Green) from north Manchester through to the new Mobility Hub and city centre beyond.
Granite paving stones removed from Albert Square (as part of the ongoing Our Town Hall project) will be reused at Ancoats Green, reducing the carbon footprint of the development.
Supporting wildlife has also been a key consideration, with plans to increase biodiversity and encourage new species to the Green through the planting of native and fruit trees – including an avenue of cherry trees – as well as the wildflower and wetland areas.
- Words:
- Bradley Lengden
- Published on:
- Fri 19 Jan 2024
