Next steps mapped for sensitive Collyhurst project 

Construction of the first 274 new homes within the Manchester neighbourhood is underway and a strategy for future phases is now in the works. 

The redevelopment of Collyhurst has been more than a decade in the making. In 2010, the coalition government pulled the plug on a private finance initiative aimed at improving the area.

Cllr Pat Karney, speaking at a meeting of Manchester City Council’s executive today, called that decision “the great betrayal”.

Thirteen years on regeneration of Collyhurst forms part of the £4bn Victoria North masterplan, being led by FEC and Manchester City Council. 

Overall, it is anticipated that the Collyhurst chunk of the 390-acre regeneration project could deliver 3,000 new homes and improve the area for residents. 

As Collyhurst is home to an existing community, FEC and the city council recognise the need to develop the area strategically in a way that does not alienate or displace residents. 

The first phase of the long-term estate remodelling will see the delivery of 274 homes in the Collyhurst Village and South Collyhurst neighbourhoods. 

Now, attention has turned to later phases of the Collyhurst project. 

The JV between the city council and FEC has appointed a masterplanning team to draw up a street-by-street plan that builds on the vision set out in the 2019 Strategic Regeneration Framework for Victoria North. 

The team comprises lead architect Mæ, Turner.Works, which will draw up a strategy for meanwhile uses across the estate, landscape and public realm specialist Schulze+Grassov, and IF_DO, which will lead on community engagement. 

The team intends to start consultation with Collyhurst residents to shape the future of the area in May. 

Victoria Hunter, senior development manager at Far East Consortium, said: “The appointment of a masterplanning team is a significant step forward in the future of Collyhurst, with the team selected based on an approach that puts the existing community at the centre of the design process – recognising that communities evolve from existing places and relationships.

“Critically, we want to listen and to explore ideas with existing residents, guided by key principles including retention of existing residents through a mixture of new homes and tenancies, as well as the growth and re-provision of affordable homes. The local community deserve the best expertise available and the team will bring knowledge, passion and energy to help plan a once-in-a-generation opportunity.”

Collyhurst is just one part of the Victoria North masterplan, which could deliver 15,000 homes across North Manchester in the next two decades.

The project is one of the largest regeneration schemes currently on site in the UK.