Plans advance for Mayfield and Great Ducie Street

Manchester City Council’s executive will next week be asked to endorse an updated strategic regeneration framework for Mayfield and approve the launch of consultation with landowners, statutory consultees and residents as developer U+I’s proposals take shape.

Following the adoption of the initial strategic framework for the site in 2014, U+I was appointed as development partner on the 24-acre project in 2016. Working with its architect Studio Egret West, it has now reached a stage where a timeline has emerged for the first parts of a five-phase project.

The imposing Mayfield Depot is to be first to be developed, with completion slated for 2021. As well as public access through the interior, it will feature commercial and mixed-use buildings extending from the depot building – office buildings will provide a frontage along Fairfield Street, complementing the retained Star & Garter. The depot arches could be used for retail and leisure.

Hoyle Street East, proposed as an arc of four residential towers bookending Mayfield Park to the east, is pencilled in for a 2019 start with completion in early 2022, as is the park, which will be comprised of 6.5 acres of interlocking public spaces.

Hoyle Street West – envisaged as a “tightly-knit, family-oriented neighbourhood”; the Baring Campus, which will be a series of flexible buildings, potentially featuring live-work units opposite the depot; and Wyre Street, towards the London Road junction, would be the subsequent phases.

In total, the £900m Mayfield could deliver 1.6m sq ft of commercial space, 347,000 sq ft of retail and leisure, 1,500 homes and 650 hotel beds.

The executive will also be asked to approve in principle and launch consultation on the updated strategic regeneration framework for the Great Ducie Street regeneration area

The site wraps around, but does not include, the former Boddingtons brewery site, close to NOMA, the Northern Gateway and the Manchester Arena.

Increasing developer interest has led to the need for a new SRF, say officers, in what has long been a regeneration priority area typified by aged textile industry buildings and widespread surface car parks. The council intends for residential development to make up at least 50% of what is brought forward here, and appears optimistic that a clothing wholesale site can be made a tone-setting early win.

The officers’ report says: “A possible first phase of development has been identified in conjunction with land owners. This relates to land owned and occupied by Whispering Smith, the Faith Life Centre and adjoining riverside green space which extends northwards, to west of Mary Street, into land owned by Manchester City Council.

“Within this first phase of development, the SRF identifies the opportunity to deliver development of height and density including new residential accommodation. This will be combined with high quality public realm and enhanced riverside access and green space. As a gateway into the SRF area, it is essential that this development sets a benchmark for quality in terms of built environment and placemaking.”