The next steps for the once in a generation transformation of Collyhurst Village and South Collyhurst have been set out, with our joint venture with Manchester City Council appointing a masterplanning team for future phases of development.
Collyhurst is one of the first areas to be developed as part of the major Victoria North regeneration programme being delivered by the joint venture, which will see 15,000 new homes built across seven new and emerging neighbourhoods in north Manchester over the next two decades.
With site works having begun to deliver 274 new low carbon homes – including 130 homes for social rent – alongside a new community park and commercial space, the JV is turning its attention to delivering the longer-term vision for both neighbourhoods.
The masterplanning team includes Mæ (lead architect), Turner.Works (meanwhile use), Schulze+Grassov (landscape and public realm) and IF_DO (community engagement). The team is expected to work with existing local residents to shape the design of potential new homes, streets and parks, with a programme of public engagement due to begin in the coming months.
Initial modelling undertaken as part of the Strategic Regeneration Framework (SRF) for Victoria North indicates the potential for up to 3,000 new homes with a key focus on affordability – to be built in Collyhurst through a process of long-term and phased estate remodelling. Future housing investment would be delivered alongside new local services and amenities, public realm and transport infrastructure, including investment in active travel.
Any future development would build on meaningful community engagement and consultation to ensure local people remain at the heart of the investment proposals.
The JV is also beginning a process to develop a strategy for delivering the large number of affordable homes planned for future phases of the Collyhurst programme, with the potential to partner with a panel of registered housing providers.
Cllr Gavin White, Manchester City Council’s executive member for housing and development, said: “The Collyhurst neighbourhood has been a key target for regeneration for many years and we know from speaking to local people how needed and how welcome this investment will be.
“We remain absolutely committed to the development in Collyhurst Village and South Collyhurst with working already starting on site. We want this initial phase of investment to be the catalyst for future development in the area, which we believe has the potential for around 3,000 new homes – with affordability being a crucial element – in the coming years, along with investment in local green space, new shops and services.
Victoria Hunter, senior development manager at Far East Consortium, said: “The appointment of a masterplanning team is a significant step forward in the future of Collyhurst, with the team selected based on an approach that puts the existing community at the centre of the design process – recognising that communities evolve from existing places and relationships.
“Over the coming months, we will be planning how the community engagement will happen. Critically, we want to listen and to explore ideas with existing residents, guided by key principles including retention of existing residents through a mixture of new homes and tenancies, as well as the growth and reprovision of affordable homes. The local community deserve the best expertise available and the team will bring knowledge, passion and energy to help plan a once in a generation opportunity.”
Find out more about the Victoria North regeneration programme here.