Manchester and Salford will approve the Strategic Regeneration Framework (SRF) this week, marking progress in the transformation of the Strangeways and Cambridge areas.
The plans, refined following a nine-week public consultation earlier this year, outline a vision for the 130-hectare city fringe area – guiding future development and building on the success of GMP’s Operation Vulcan enforcement programme.
The framework proposes up to 7,000 new homes across seven sustainable neighbourhoods, alongside 1.75 million sq ft of commercial space capable of supporting 4,500 new jobs. Central to the plan is a 60-hectare urban park, part of a wider commitment to green infrastructure and climate resilience.
Consultation feedback showed strong community support for regeneration, particularly for affordable housing and the preservation of heritage buildings. Respondents also stressed the importance of balancing industrial uses with residential growth and maintaining cultural spaces.
Early development is already underway. The Brewery Gardens scheme by Clarion will deliver 505 homes on Trinity Way, while Salboy’s Waterhouse Gardens is welcoming its first residents to 556 new homes and 30,000 sq ft of commercial space.
Salford City Mayor Paul Dennett said: ‘The proposals in the framework seek to identify the best possible options for this area, including the exciting opportunity to create a new city park for all, alongside appropriate levels of mixed-use development to continue to drive sustainable growth.
‘With strong community roots and a rich cultural heritage, this area is brimming with potential and together we can deliver transformational change creating new homes, jobs, and green spaces that reflect the aspirations of our residents and support a greener, fairer future.’
Aligned with Manchester’s zero-carbon 2038 target, the SRF also highlights the opportunity presented by the potential relocation of HMP Manchester (Strangeways Prison). Once endorsed, the framework will become a key planning document, with detailed design work to begin on the Overbridge and Copper Park neighbourhoods in the coming months.
Leader of the Council Bev Craig said: ‘The formal adoption of this framework is a milestone that we will remember for Strangeways as we move from vision to delivery and the beginning of a long-term regeneration programme for this part of our city.
‘We know this is an area that has faced challenges, and we have worked closely with partners – including GMP through Operation Vulcan – to create lasting change and opportunity for these neighbourhoods.
‘This is about supporting businesses, creating jobs through growth, and building the homes our residents need in neighbourhoods that they are proud of. Already we are seeing extensive development activity in this area, including significant new social rent and shared ownership housing on site now. But this is only the beginning of an incredibly exciting decade and more for Strangeways.’
Photo: Strangeways
In related news:
Campaigners launch legal challenge over Gatwick’s second runway
Leave a Reply