Professional team appointed for £1bn Northern Gateway

Far East Consortium has chosen its professional team for the £1bn Northern Gateway project, including masterplanner Farrells, cost consultant Turner & Townsend, and planning consultant HOW.

Landscape architect Planit IE, engineering, transport, remediation and sustainability consultant Arup, economic development consultant Regeneris, and project manager Buro4 also join the team for the £1bn project, which could deliver more than 10,000 new homes in North Manchester over the next 10 years.

Planit IE and HOW also worked with FEC on its £235m MeadowSide residential project, which was designed by architect 5plus.

FEC has previously recruited staff from HOW, with development manager Hillary Brett formerly head of HOW’s environmental team.

Staff from Farrells will be co-located with the FEC team at its office in the Northern Assurance Buildings in central Manchester.

Founded by Sir Terry Farrell, the masterplanner and architecture practice has designed a number of prominent buildings in the North West, having worked on a masterplan for the Cambridge Street area in 2001.

Farrells was also appointed by Cheshire East Council in 2015 to work up designs for its HS2 station at Crewe.

FEC said Farrells would focus on enhancing public transport infrastructure – including footpaths and cycle routes – as well as “reactivating the vicinity of the River Irk”.

FEC was appointed as development partner for the project in April this year. The scheme covers more than 300 acres across New Cross, the Lower Irk Valley, and Collyhurst.

Gavin Taylor, regional general manager of Far East Consortium, said: “We are proud to be working closely with Manchester City Council to deliver the vision for the Northern Gateway. At FEC, our aim is to create communities for future generations and this is made possible by building strategic partnerships and working with highly experienced, globally renowned firms.

“We are delighted to welcome Farrells on board as masterplanners. Renowned for its role in the delivery of landmark schemes worldwide, the consultancy brings a wealth of expertise and knowledge to deliver the vision for a new destination in Manchester.”

Sir Terry Farrell, founder of Farrells added: “We are thrilled to be working with FEC and MCC to create this new landmark scheme which will be a big step forward for Manchester’s ongoing regeneration.

“We’ll be sitting literally side by side in our co-located offices, making sure it works for the city, the region and those behind the investment,” said.

“Through its sheer scale and its incredible natural, heritage, and community assets the Northern Gateway will play a significant part in enhancing Manchester’s presence nationally and globally.”

Cllr Bernard Priest, deputy leader of Manchester City Council, said: “This is an important milestone and marks the start of more detailed consultations on how we transform this part of the city with new neighbourhoods to make sure we can meet a significant demand for world-class housing.

“The city continues to grow and expand and we will be talking to existing residents, business and other stakeholders about our shared vision and ambition.”