FEC have commenced work at the former Red Bank carriage sidings to clear large quantities of illegally fly tipped waste in order to ready the site for investigations and surveys linked to Manchester City Council’s Housing Infrastructure Fund (HIF) works.
The clean-up operation, carried out by FEC’s in-house construction partner DEX Construction, forms part of FEC’s commitment to help improve the river valley as it prepares to bring forward a diverse new neighbourhood of apartments, townhouses and other family-friendly homes in Red Bank.
On completion of the initial works, FEC will then undertake Phase 2 site investigations and ecology surveys to support the emerging HIF designs ahead of MCC appointing its design team towards the end of March / this spring.
The masterplan for the area also includes the Red Bank Viaduct, which will offer a home to retail businesses while forming part of new recreational public space. The Viaduct will play a central role as the joint venture partnership with Manchester City Council looks to improve community assets and provide new inclusive public realm spaces for residents.
Tom Fenton, project director at FEC, said: “Illegally fly tipped waste represents a significant health risk – be it for construction workers or local residents and businesses. It’s important we take steps now to remove the waste at scale as we look ahead to a period of positive investment that will bring forward a new vibrant and diverse neighbourhood.”
A plan has been agreed with local authority ecology officers to minimise any impact on plant and animal species as part of the clean up operation.