Plans submitted for Collyhurst regeneration

Plans have been submitted for the first phase of the regeneration of Collyhurst Village as part of the city’s £4bn Northern Gateway project.

Designed for the Far East Consortium (FEC), the proposals, which represent the first major regeneration of the area in 50 years, feature 244 new homes – comprising a mix of town houses and apartments, including 100 affordable homes – and a new 1.3 hectare public park. The design features a variety of different housing types intended to cater for a mix of families, young professionals and older residents to create a sustainable neighbourhood for current and future generations.

As part of the Collyhurst Village proposals, the first phase of New Collyhurst Park will deliver a new public green space for Manchester, with more than 450 trees expected to be planted as part of a network of green links to the surrounding village. The masterplan for the area also includes almost 2,000 sq ft of neighbourhood-focused commercial and retail space.

A focus on energy-efficiency and reducing bills for residents sits at the heart of the plans, with highly insulated and air-tight facades while the provision of electric vehicle charging points and secure cycle storage will encourage sustainable travel.

The designs have been developed alongside in-depth consultation with the public. More than 2,500 people, including local residents, took part across both physical and digital consultations, with the plans reflecting local appetite for increased connectivity, green space and the continued celebration of Collyhurst’s identity and heritage.

Matthew Burl, Associate Director at Buttress, said: “The submission of the planning application brings us one step closer to realising the ambitions for the Collyhurst site and paves the way for more quality homes for local people. Placemaking sits at the heart of the approach and the design stitches the masterplan into its context with a hierarchy of streets and spaces making clear connections with the new park and the wider Collyhurst area.”

Andy Avery, Director at Buttress, added: “This is a major step forward in the regeneration of Collyhurst. The submitted proposals are the product of extensive engagement with Manchester City Council and the local community and we are proud of the designs which have emerged, which will create a green and sustainable neighbourhood that will cater for multi-generational living.”

Victoria Hunter, Development Manager at FEC, said: “Over the past 12 months, we’ve seen the overriding importance of tight-knit communities, and the role access to high quality homes, sustainable community assets and green space have to play in facilitating them. Working with and for the people of Collyhurst, who have informed this application, it’s our ambition to deliver a vibrant and inclusive neighbourhood that has unique and lasting appeal for both existing and new residents. In doing so, we plan to champion the area’s heritage and its residents as part of the wider regeneration framework, improving connections to the city while celebrating Collyhurst’s iconic red sandstone which forms the fabric of Manchester as we know it.”

Cllr Suzanne Richards, Manchester City Council’s Executive Member for Housing and Regeneration, said: “Firstly, a big thank you to everyone who took the time to take part in the consultation last year. The number of responses was brilliant and input from the people who live in the area has provided invaluable insight to help guide the principles of development in the area.

“Submitting the first planning application for Collyhurst Village is a landmark moment for local people and represents the beginning of the end of a long journey for residents in the area who have been waiting for this investment in their community.

“The Northern Gateway project is hugely exciting for Manchester. Given the economic impact of the pandemic on our towns and cities, the continuation of this investment is encouraging as a marker of confidence that our city will recover and thrive once Covid is behind us.”

The proposals represent part of the first phase of the Strategic Regeneration Framework for Manchester City Council and FEC’s redevelopment of parts of North Manchester, which will deliver up to 15,000 new homes while rejuvenating disused land over the next 15 years.

Buttress was appointed to the project in late 2019 following a successful design competition.