Manchester Council and Salford Council have unveiled draft proposals for the long-term regeneration of the Strangeways and Cambridge areas.
Plans include a high-level vision for the area that seeks to provide a ‘platform for legitimate businesses to grow and thrive’ alongside a major new urban park, new housing — including affordable homes — and significant commercial and employment opportunities.
The draft Strangeways and Cambridge Strategic Regeneration Framework (SRF) reports will now be put to an eight-week consultation and engagement process to gather local feedback around the principles for investment and development of the 130-hectare city fringe location over the coming decades.
Estimates for the combined development areas could see up to 7,000 new homes across seven distinct ‘neighbourhood’ areas, increased commercial floorspace of around 1.75m sqft, and the regeneration could support an additional 4,500 jobs.
The SRF also reflects how HM Prison Manchester – formerly Strangeways Prison – remains a ‘significant barrier’ to the regeneration ambitions in this part of the city, and the framework will act as an engagement tool with the Ministry of Justice around the long-term future of the prison.
The key themes of the SRF include:
- Business and Employment: Increase business and employment opportunities, supporting ongoing economic growth in both Manchester and Salford
- Green and Blue Infrastructure: Create a network of green spaces and celebrate the River Irwell, including the creation of a large new city centre park (working title: Copper Park) and respond to flood risk
- Movement: Prioritise a ‘people first’ approach to the regeneration, including active travel while carefully managing parking, servicing and delivery requirements.
- Heritage and Culture: Celebrate the existing architecture and heritage buildings in the area as part of the comprehensive regeneration plans.
Leader of the Council Bev Craig said: “This framework is our shared long-term vision, alongside our colleagues in Salford, to deliver a transformation in the Strangeways and Cambridge communities.
“We have an opportunity to create a platform for development and investment, enabled by the successful work carried out by the Operation Vulcan partnership, to support businesses to grow and prosper in these neighbourhoods – creating thousands of new jobs and support the ongoing growth of our city – alongside a major new public park and new homes, including Council, social and genuinely affordable housing.
“We know this area has challenges, including the prison that presents a key barrier to the regeneration of the area, but we also know that there is energy and a community brimming with potential.
“We will deliver huge change in Strangeways in the coming years, working alongside the people who live and work there, and as we move to consultation in the coming weeks, we want to speak to local people and businesses about how we can make this part of the city thrive.”
People can provide feedback online here, and in-person events will also be held for respondents to ask questions and find out more about the long-term regeneration proposals, which will also include refreshments and activities for families.
- Sat 29 Mar, 10am – 3pm
Salford – Broughton Community Centre, Great Clowes Street, Salford, M7 1ZQ
- Tue 1 Apr, 3pm – 7pm
Salford – Broughton Community Centre, Great Clowes Street, Salford, M7 1ZQ
- Mon 7 Apr, 3pm – 7pm
Manchester – The Yard, 11 Bent Street, Manchester, M8 8NF
- Thu 24 Apr, 3pm – 7pm
Salford – Broughton Community Centre, Great Clowes Street, Salford, M7 1ZQ
- Tue 29 Apr, 3pm – 7pm
Salford – Broughton Community Centre, Great Clowes Street, Salford, M7 1ZQ
- Thu 1 May, 3pm- 7pm
Manchester – The Yard, 11 Bent Street, Manchester, M8 8NF
- Tue 6 May, 3pm – 7pm
Manchester – The Yard, 11 Bent Street, Manchester, M8 8NF
The consultation will close on Mon 26 26 May after which the results will be reported back to MCC Executive and SCC’s cabinet committees.
- Words:
- Bradley Lengden
- Published on:
- Wed 26 Mar 2025
