NEM outlines targets for next ten years
Powerful regeneration agency New East Manchester has unveiled targets for the decade ahead including 15,000 new homes and 7.5m sq ft of business space.
The Strategic Regeneration Document follows a three-month consultation process with residents from the area, which covers 30,000 households in Beswick, Gorton, Openshaw and other parts of the city's eastern fringe.
The targets include:
- 9,200 new homes completed or on-site by 2013, 15,000 by 2018 and 24,000 by 2025
- A further 7,000 properties improved by 2013
- By 2018 the population will have increased from the current level of 62,616 to between 90,000 and 100,000
- An additional 7.5m sq ft of new business space will be developed by 2018
- 4,000 residents will be supported into employment by 2013 and 3,500 more by 2018
- Unemployment rates will be reduced by 20% by 2013 and by 50% by 2018
- The proportion of pupils securing 5 A*-C GCSEs will exceed the national average by 2013
- Teenage pregnancies will be reduced by 40% by 2013
- The equivalent of 670 less crimes a year will occur by 2011
- 50,000 trees planted by 2018
The NEM business plan is divided into three core objectives: Raising Incomes, Raising Aspirations, Raising Families; and seven priorities: Family Neighbourhoods, Metrolink, Education, High Streets, Arcs of Employment, Working Communities and Green East Manchester.
NEM said various changes were made to the draft plan during consultation. In the Abbey Hey area of Gorton the proposed use of land was changed to retain open space and allotments and to prioritise areas of housing for improvement. Tackling crime and anti-social behaviour was also identified as a major concern amongst local people so this has now been made a higher priority. A greater emphasis will also be placed on the positive aspects of old age. The area has an aging population and more inter-generation activities will be encouraged as older people provide important role models for young people.
Eddie Smith, acting chief executive of New East Manchester, said: "This second Strategic Development Framework takes account of some of the big challenges and opportunities that weren't available in 2000 so it was important to get residents' input.
"Overall the draft framework was well received. The level of attendance at events and the number of responses received indicate a high degree of success in achieving the key aim of sharing information with all interested parties, allowing everyone the opportunity to voice their opinions and to influence the future of their area. We have amended the framework to take account of residents' views and are confident that not only does it truly represent the views of the East Manchester community but that it will provide the basis for continuing the strong progress that has been made."
NEM is funded by Manchester City Council, the North West Development Agency and various European and UK grant programmes.
