Wait for Strangeways prison relocation goes on
Manchester and Salford might have to wait for additional devolved powers if they are to realise their ambition of moving the facility to unlock the maligned area’s regeneration, according to city leaders.
HMP Manchester, previously known as Strangeways Prison, sits at the heart of a 320-acre regeneration programme from the two city councils. The local authorities want to move the prison and thus enable the transformation of the Strangeways and Cambridge areas. They are currently working with a project team led by Avison Young to develop a 10-year masterplan for the area, which is set to go out to consultation this summer.
But all that could be for nothing if the Ministry of Justice refuses to relocate the prison. Manchester City Council has made repeated requests to the Ministry of Justice to move the prison, but with no success thus far.
Speaking to Place North West, Leader Cllr Bev Craig said the city had made its case for the relocation but that it has limited control beyond that, even armed with a trailblazer devolution deal.
“All we can do is make our case. The decision [the MoJ] will need to make is where to relocate it to,” she said.
“Devolution has got us to a point when it comes to single settlement but what we are not talking about is the entirety of the public sector. It gives us food for thought for next wave of devolution.”
Eamonn Boylan, chief executive of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority, said the MoJ’s outlook is holding any potential relocation back.
“The only thing the MoJ is interested in is numbers,” he said. “Nobody is thinking about place. It is difficult to have a sensible conversation [with them].
“We have got to continue to push hard to make certain we are getting proper devolved decision making.”
Despite the lack of MoJ response, Manchester City Council and Salford City Council are pushing forward with their vision. The city councils are engaging with local businesses in the area as part of an audit that Craig says will “help guide the thinking around the principles for development and investment for the area.”
As part of the process, a letter has been sent to businesses in the regeneration area encouraging them to get involved with the regeneration process.
Salford City Mayor Paul Dennett, reflecting on the Strangeways and Cambridge SRF, added that the two local authorities are “committed to getting this right for local businesses and residents”.
He continued: “We’re keen to get a better understanding of these businesses, what their future plans are and current challenges they may face. Following this initial engagement, the findings will then be reported back to the property and regeneration committee, before further public consultation in the future.”
