Plans for new Castlefield neighbourhood include urban park, elevated walking route and hundreds of homes

The Council’s executive is expected to approve ambitious plans for a new Castlefield neighbourhood next week.

Visions for the Water Street neighbourhood are expected to get the go-ahead following overwhelming support for proposals set out in a public consultation earlier this year.

More than 90% of respondents supported the key principles of the draft Water Street Strategic Regeneration Framework (SRF) update that will create a new city centre district developed around a new urban park.

The SRF sets out plans for a new landscape-led neighbourhood that combines new homes, including affordable tenures, improved public spaces, enhanced walking and cycling connections, and significant new green infrastructure centred around the River Medlock.

The updated framework responds to the significant transformation that has already taken place around Water Street in recent years, including nearby developments such as St John’s, Trinity Islands, Potato Wharf, Enterprise City, Aviva Studios and Campfield.

Bosses say the regeneration is expected to deliver a range of benefits, including:

• A significant new city centre park accessible to residents, workers and visitors.

• New homes, including at least 20% affordable housing.

• Enhanced walking, wheeling and cycling connections linking Water Street with surrounding neighbourhoods and the city centre.

• New jobs, skills and investment opportunities.

• Increased biodiversity and sustainable drainage features.
• A highly sustainable, largely car-free neighbourhood supporting Manchester’s zero-carbon ambitions.

The framework also highlights opportunities to create new connections to Liverpool Road, St John’s and a potential future extension of the National Trust’s Castlefield Viaduct project, helping to strengthen links across the city centre.

Cllr Gavin White, Manchester City Council’s executive member for housing and regeneration, said: “The wider Water Street area has seen major regeneration in recent years with world-class investment at St John’s and Aviva Studios on its doorstep, alongside impressive residential developments. This renewed regeneration framework will help guide investment to bring this area up to the same ambitious level with new housing, including affordable housing to create an inclusive new neighbourhood, complemented by a brand-new city centre urban park.

“This is a major opportunity to deliver an exciting new district, new jobs and green space, that will enhance the quality of life for existing and future residents, while helping to meet demand for quality new homes and support Manchester’s ongoing economic growth.

“In the remaining Water Street sites, we have a blank canvas with a huge amount of potential. We look forward to schemes being brought forward to deliver a unique space in our city centre.”

You can read more about the consultation and have your say on the plans here.