Blue road to reflect Blue Moon Way
Blue tarmac will be laid on Blue Moon Way, part of the Maine Place residential development in Moss Side at the site of the former Manchester City FC stadium.
The road was named Blue Moon Way in a competition involving local school children and flanks a new housing development, passes Divine Mercy Primary School before connecting with Yew Tree Road.
Wayne Hale, contracts manager for Prospect GB, is a lifelong City fan. He said: "I've been a Blue since I was a boy and standing on Blue Moon Way brings back cherished memories for me – I can see the alleyways I used to cut through to the back of the City ground.
"This blue-coloured road is a way of marking the heritage of the area and recognising that the Maine Road stadium will never be forgotten. A lot of people come here and feel nostalgic about the as they remember the old days. I think the blue road will become a tourist attraction in its own right – especially after the league win."
Maine Place will contain more than 300 houses and apartments. There will be properties named after former City greats like Coleman, Allison, Goater and Rosler.
Former player Mike Summerbee, now a club ambassador, said: "Maine Road remains a tremendously special part of the city to all Manchester City fans. You can feel the emotion whenever you drive to that part of the city and I think this is a wonderful idea to help recognise the site of the old stadium. I'm sure it will help supporters to relive their memories of the amazing times we had at Maine Road."
In 2008, Manchester City Council identified new housing as a regeneration priority for Moss Side to meet the needs and aspirations of existing and would-be residents. Currently Moss Side has around 70% terraced housing, which had made it difficult for residents to move into bigger, family homes.
Houses are on sale now at Maine Place. Prices start at £70,000 for a one-bedroomed apartment and £137,000 for a three-bedroom house.
The blue tarmac will go down on Blue Moon Way at the completion of the housing development in around 18 to 24 months' time.
