Plans are under way to continue the revitalisation of Harpurhey district centre as Manchester City Council drives forward the creation of a state-of-the-art health centre.
Discussions are entering their final stage for Manchester City Council to purchase the Embassy Comedy Club, in Rochdale Road, after the Council was approached by the current owner about their intention to sell.
The current owners of this historic venue have made the decision to move on, presenting an opportunity for the land to be purchased.
Once finalised, the Council aims to develop a brand new health centre and hub for the residents of Harpurhey, a project which will tie into the already announced regeneration framework for the area that aims to develop more than 300 new homes for local people, as well as improve local and community amenities.
Also, the recently announced Pride in Place project will delivery £20m to Harpurhey over the course of the next 10 years – investment driven for and by local people – ensuring that money spent is directed to the issues that truly matter to residents, and that will make an important and lasting change to the community.
Any proposed development is likely to include the already Council-owned land adjacent to the club along Rochdale Road, meaning that it will act as a gateway to the wider Harpurhey area, spurring on and enabling additional investment set out through the Local Infrastructure Plan.
Improving the health and wellbeing of Harpurhey is a key priority for the Council. As a region of the city that has lower than average health outcomes, a great deal of investment has been planned to support local people, and ensure that they can live happier and healthier lives.
This also forms part of the core tenets of the Making Manchester Fairer programme, a city-wide investment plan to improve health outcomes throughout Manchester and end health inequality that for many, makes living a healthy life a postcode lottery.
In aid of this, on March 22 the Healthy Happy Harpurhey festival is taking place, a celebration of harmony and wellbeing in the community taking place across a host of venues across the neighbourhood.
From community walks, to fitness and dance workshops, to health checks and intros to sports, there will be something for everyone to enjoy, to get your blood pumping, and to support everyone who want to get a bit healthier, and have fun doing it.
Councillor Gavin White, Executive Member for Housing and Development, said: “Whilst we are still finalising the plans for the final purchase of this site, it sends out a message that we as a Council are committed to investing in our communities and improving health across the city.
“Providing high quality and accessible healthcare is vital. By centring them in the heart of our communities we are making it easier for people to see their GP, a practice nurse or to access a range of services that will improve their lives in the long run.
“We are excited to be able to bring forward this development, and to keep our residents in Harpurhey updated as it progresses.”