Irish World Heritage Centre could bring jobs bonanza for Cheetham
14 September 2005
Plans for a new Irish World Heritage Centre complex in Cheetham, creating up to 750 new jobs, have moved an important step closer to realisation.
The City Council's top-level Executive today, Wednesday 14 September, agreed to enter into an agreement making Teesland iDG as preferred development partner to deliver the scheme.
The proposals envisage the replacement of the existing Irish Centre with a new complex including a world-class museum and heritage centre, Gaelic football playing field and 100-bed hotel. It would also incorporate more than 200,000 square feet of employment space.
The existing Irish Centre in Cheetham Hill is a popular community facility used by a wide range of ethnic groups. But it is too small to meet demand and its current location has stopped it realising its full potential as a nationally and internationally significant attraction.
A 10.2 hectare (25.2 acre) plot of derelict land bounded by Queens Road, Manchester Fort Retail Park, Fairholme Caravan Park and the Metrolink line has been earmarked for the new complex.
The scheme going ahead is dependent on it gaining planning permission. Full consultation with residents is another pre-condition.
City Council leader Richard Leese said: "These plans have enormous potential . If we are successful not only will we have a vastly improved Irish World Heritage Centre able to provide activities for the whole community but also business activity providing hundreds of jobs . There is a long way to go yet but we are determined to deliver these objectives "
Michael Forde, chairman of the Irish World Heritage Centre Trustees, said: "This is a huge leap forward for the many supporters of this exciting project. Our vision is the establishment of a centre of excellence, which will provide unique visitor facilities, exhibitions, entertainment, sport and cultural activities and will sit well with the future dynamic vision of the city."
Teesland iDG's Managing Director, Andrew Slipper, said: "This development, following on the success of the Manchester Fort Retail Park, will complete the regeneration of the City Council's Queens Road Site. Along with the new facilities for the Irish World Heritage Centre, the employment space we are providing will consolidate the revival of this important business district. This will be the most significant new development for the business community in Cheetham Hill in 25 years."
Work on phase one of the project, which will include the new Irish World Heritage Centre, could start next year with completion of the entire scheme within four years.
Media contact- Roger Williams, Tel: 0161 234 3275
