Manchester pushes Water Street SRF forward

Executive sign-off is expected next week for an updated strategic regeneration framework guiding development in the area, mapping out the possibility of four towers and a park.

Manchester City Council has undertaken consultation this year on its plans to update the development framework for the 4.4-acre site currently occupied by Manchester Industrial Centre, and reported “overwhelming public support” for the proposals .

MCC said that more than 90% of respondents supported the key principles of the draft Water Street SRF update that will create a new city centre district developed around a new urban park, roughly the same size as the facility that has proven a winner across the city at Mayfield.

Dating to 2017, the existing SRF set out a preferred option for the council-owned MIC area made up of five blocks, with the tallest rising to 31 storeys, and around 900 homes. The 2026 iteration, drafted by SimpsonHaugh, sets out plans for a taller and denser development.

The SRF broadly sets out plans for a new landscape-led neighbourhood that combines new homes, including 20% affordable homes, improved public spaces, enhanced walking and cycling connections, and significant new green infrastructure centred around the River Medlock.

Particularly strong support has been recorded for the environmental and public realm improvements, the council said.

In all, 117 responses were received – 107 from residents, seven from businesses, and three from local interest groups or statutory bodies.

That followed 19 social media posts by MCC promoting the consultation, which generated 44,837 impressions, 774 link clicks, 239 reactions and 32 shares or reposts.

This is an updated framework that responds to developments that have moved ahead in recent years, such as St John’s and Enterprise City, Trinity Islands, Campfield, the completion of Potato Wharf, and the delivery of the Aviva Studios entertainments venue.

The report going before the executive reads: “Given the fundamentally changed context, the remaining land at Water Street presents a strategic opportunity to positively respond to that changed context along with delivering against the wider policy objectives for the city centre.

“The aspiration for Water Street in this update is therefore to provide a high quality, high-density residential-led proposition, within a high-quality environment that delivers a significant public park, enhances biodiversity, integrates with the River Medlock and connects to the rest of the city centre. This new open space needs to be flexible enough to support a range of activities and uses.”

MCC said that 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.

Upon final approval, the new SRF will form part of a robust development brief for potential developers to engage the council as part of an open marketing disposal process anticipated to begin next year.

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.”