Chancellor sees New East Manchester transformation

Chancellor Alistair Darling will today (Monday 2 June 2008) see projects that are bringing new life to east Manchester.

Robert Hough, chairman of the urban regeneration company New East Manchester, said: "As part of a series of engagements around the city, the Chancellor will see how we are improving the housing, economic, educational and social well-being of the eastern parts of the city.

"I'm sure he will be impressed by the transformational changes that have been achieved over the last eight years and the ambitious plans we have for the next ten years, bringing about improvement through major investment and partnership between public bodies and the private sector."

The Chancellor will visit the redundant old Waulk Mill and Royal Mill in Ancoats that have been transformed into desirable apartments and commercial space, retaining their historic character.

He will see the new Cotton Field eco park at New Islington, Manchester's Millennium Community where thousands of appealing modern homes for sale will be built around an attractive lake where worn out old housing once stood. And nearby he'll see the bright modern rented homes that have replaced the demolished old terrace houses.

The Chancellor will visit the new £6.5 million Ancoats Clinic, a state-of-the-art centre providing health and social care services for New Islington residents and for those living in Ancoats and the surrounding area.

He will also hear about a range of other regeneration projects such as the prestigious business park at Central Park, which is home to hi-tech businesses and workspace for new and growing businesses, and the success of Sportcity, with its venues for major international sporting events and first class training facilities shared by top sportspeople and the local community.

Mr Hough said: "Partnership work through New East Manchester has already achieved great things, with significant progress in achieving the physical, social and economic regeneration of east Manchester.

"We will continue working hard to bring about further major improvements, giving people ever-increasing reasons to be proud of east Manchester."

David Chilton, Area Director, English Partnerships, added: "Effective regeneration can only be achieved through true partnership working which really is the key to the significant progress being made across east Manchester."

For further information on New East Manchester visit http://www.neweastmanchester.com/

Media contact:

Martin Hellewell, tel 0161 223 1155