Funding secured for final phase of 20-year Ancoats regeneration project

Manchester City Council has secured more than £30m funding to complete the final phase of a 20-year ongoing regeneration project in Ancoats.

New plans for 1,500 new homes, improved green space, new walking routes and an Ancoats Mobility Hub received broad support at a consultation held in February.

Funding has come from Homes England, which committed £28.1 to the project, and the Greater Manchester Combined Authority which has added £4.7m through the Brownfield Housing Fund.

Developers are aiming to build a sustainable urban neighbourhood, connect a network of streets with new spaces and enhance the area’s green spaces.

Cllr Bev Craig, Leader of Manchester City Council, said: ‘As the Council looks to improve our neighbourhoods and drive positive development it is essential that we look at the whole picture on what makes an attractive and liveable community.

‘The strategy in place for Ancoats is the realisation of our ambitions to promote active travel, increase the amount of green space and have sustainable housing at the heart of our communities.

‘The historic layout of Ancoats, with its rigid streets bordered by old mill buildings have to some extent determined the way the area has developed. However, by putting people first, and placing the needs of pedestrians at the heart of this plan we hope that this can set a benchmark for future development.’

It’s believed that the funding will be able draw in additional private investment worth £450m for the delivery of 1,500 homes and other privately funded works.

City Rodney Development is set to construct 128 new homes, 30% of them at the Manchester Living Rent, as part of the council’s wider target to build 36,000 new homes by 2032, with 10,000 at Manchester Living Rent.

Active travel has been a key component of the scheme too, with walking routes to Jersey Street and Rochdale Canal planned and the Ancoats Mobility Hub set to promote active lifestyles.

The Hub, which will be based in a public plaza, will provide EV charging points, local car and bike clubs, a cycle hub, and a café and delivery hub for the local area.

The project also aims to create a green heart to the neighbourhood, Ancoats Green, and enhance the industrial heritage of the area.

Works are set to begin this year, with the development expected to be near completion in 2026.

Photo by Jason Jeandron