Updated plans for former Ancoats retail park include new public green space

An updated Strategic Regeneration Framework (SRF) for Ancoats’ former retail park has been shared by Manchester Council.

Among the new plans are details for a new public green space that will act as a link between Great Ancoats Street to Cottonfield Park.

The regeneration seeks to develop a flagship, sustainable commercial district that can attract new business and talent to the city, and that will also promote social value and well-being.

According to the council website, the overall vision of the refreshed Former Central Retail SRF is:

• Create a high-quality, sustainable office district to bring the currently vacant former retail park back into use
• Create a range of new employment opportunities, including through the construction phase of the development project. Thousands of jobs are expected to be located at the site, many of which will be new employment opportunities to the city.
• A new high-quality, green public space will be at the heart of the former retail site, creating a link between Great Ancoats Street to Cottonfield Park and the growing New Islington community behind.
• New connections and routes will be created through the site from adjacent neighbourhoods.

A consultation period for the project will begin on Wed 4 Jan.

Cllr Bev Craig, Leader of Manchester City Council, said:  “The former Central Retail Park is a key site and one of the final pieces of the puzzle in the long-term regeneration story of New Islington, which has the potential to create thousands of new jobs in the city.

“For decades the site has created a physical barrier between Great Ancoats Street and the growing community around New Islington Marina. Developing this site will create a new public link through to the existing Cotton Field Park behind and create a green space at the heart of the low-carbon commercial district.

“We have a real opportunity to create a flagship, highly sustainable development of renown – and we would encourage people to take part in the consultation.

“An six-week consultation will begin in early January and we invite feedback around the proposals for site.”