Medlock Valley up for BURA award
A £2m project to transform the Medlock Valley in east Manchester has been short-listed for a British Urban Regeneration Association Waterways Renaissance Award.
The Medlock Valley Project improved 225 acres of public space alongside the river from Newton Heath, through Clayton, Beswick and Ancoats to the city centre.
The project was a partnership between Manchester City Council, New East Manchester, the North West Development Agency, Groundwork, the Environment Agency, Red Rose Forest and the local community through the Friends of Clayton Vale and Friends of Philips Park.
The project improved access to the valley, made it attractive to visit and use, and improved management of the land. Money for the project included £1.7m from the NWDA and £350,000 from the European Regional Development Fund.
Until 2003 the Medlock Valley was a post-industrial landscape of old tip sites, unattractive open spaces and a neglected river. The valley has now won local nature reserve status and Green Flags for its cleanliness.
Final judging for the awards takes place this month with a decision due by mid-February.
