Newton Heath will become the latest area to benefit from the Council’s citywide high street programme with a new long-term regeneration plan focused on improvements.
The vision for the north east Manchester district centre is expected to be endorsed by the Council’s executive this week (Friday 13 March).
It will help deliver investment on the high street, in the heart of the community along with much needed new homes – with a focus on new social and genuinely affordable homes; new community and health services; and a new community square for local people to gather and meet and hold small pop up events.
Cllr Bev Craig, Leader of Manchester City Council, said: “This is great news for Newton Heath. It’s a long-term plan championed by local people and local Councillors but we can’t wait to get started and start delivering for the neighbourhood. Newton Heath is already benefiting from fantastic new housing for local residents and investing in the high street and local facilities will really boost the area. This comes on top of the millions for new homes and the £20million Pride in Place funding announced by the Government.
“High streets are the heart of local neighbourhoods, and important signs of how an area is doing. We have a brand new citywide high street programme investing in and celebrating the spaces at the heart of our community – helping residents come together, supporting local businesses and building communities our residents can be proud of.
“ In 2022 we said we wanted to invest in every district centre across the city, already we are getting on with Gorton, Moston, Withington and Wythenshawe –but we are just getting started. I’ve pleased to see Newton Heath become the next local area to get a well derserved boost.
“Alongside public space and improved local amenities, new housing – including lots of social rent, Council and genuinely affordable homes – is key to creating sustainable, last communities. We are building the homes that we know our residents need, in the places they want to live.”
Last year, the local community was asked to give their feedback on the initial proposals with the broad aim of making sure the district centre was vibrant, sustainable and welcoming, with excellent local facilities – and a high street that supported local business to grow and boost the local economy. (Find more info about the consultation responses in the notes to editors section below).
With broad positive responses against the principles of the long-term investment in the area, the Neighbourhood Development Framework (NDF) will help guide future projects to deliver a range key aims:
New Housing – Provide new high quality mixed tenure homes including affordable social rent, shared ownership, private rent, owner occupied and specific needs such as extra care for the over 55’s
High Street & Public Realm - Revitalise Old Church Street, enhancing the environment to support businesses, create new and improved public spaces that are welcoming, safe and enjoyable – places the local community can be proud of.
Community & Health - expand community facilities such as the health care facilities, and in the long term, improve the library, delivering a healthy and active neighbourhood.
Moving Around - Rethink how people get about safely, minimise congestion, deliver a better-connected neighbourhood for walking and cycling.
Through the consultation process, a number of strengths were also identified that provides a strong base for improvement, including an existing active high street that has a strong record of independent retailers and good local amenities – from a popular library and other heritage assets to green spaces and canal side areas.
Newton Heath also benefits from good existing transport links and there is a clear momentum in the area linked to nearby housing projects – including the Council’s own Silk Street social housing development.
The NDF sets out the key development opportunities for the Newton Heath neighbourhood:
New Homes – including significant social rent and affordable housing, alongside a range of tenures to meet the needs of the local area.
The NDF sets out the potential for new homes across six distinct clusters:
- Oldham Road West: new homes on vacant infill sites
- Old Church Street North: new homes above a new health centre
- Millwright Street: major long term opportunity for new homes (townhouses, apartments, independent living/extra care)
- Old Church Street South: potential mixed-use redevelopment
- Holyoak Street / Rothwell Street / Silk Mill: canalside conversions and infill housing
- Flash Street: potential for new townhouses with retained and improved canalside greenspace
High Street and Public Realm Improvements – including a new public square, pedestrian improvements with opportunities for ‘Welcome to Newton Heath’ gateways that celebrate the area’s rich heritage. Improvements to All Saint’s area.
New Community Square – “Silk Square”
- New community meeting and events space in the heart of the high street
- Improved pedestrian links to Millwright Street
- Colourful play features for young people, greenery and opportunities to celebrate local heritage
Old Church Street (High Street)
- Upgraded street scene , lighting, greenery and street furniture
- Better signage and wayfinding to help visitors navigate around the district centre the high street
- Opportunities for shopfront improvements
- Pedestrian crossing upgrades and signalled junctions to improve pedestrian safety and help manage peak congestion
Canal Corridor Improvements
- Enhanced Rochdale Canal towpaths, bridges, lighting, seating, safety and access points
- Improved entrances at Old Church Street and Droylsden Road
- Public art opportunities
Community and Health
- To invest in the Old Church Street North area to provide
- A new expanded health centre
- Improved library that relates better to the canal
- Enhanced public space and parking options
Newton Heath will also benefit from part of the £20m Pride in Place funding to be allocated to community projects and initiatives over the next decade.
The Pride in Place programme aims to reshape our neighbourhoods over the next ten years, delivering funding into areas which matter the most to local people.
What this could mean is more money to make our streets safer, to rejuvenate our district centres, improve and enhance community spaces and support new events and activities for residents.
This is an additional boost to Manchester City Councils existing plans to improve our neighbourhoods.
NOTES TO EDITORS
Public Consultation (2025) – Main Findings
606 responses indicated strong local engagement (90% local residents).
Key themes:
What people like
- Local convenience shops and food outlets
- Community feel and amenities
- Good accessibility and transport
- Library and local services
What people want improved
- More diverse and higherquality shops and services
- Better cleanliness, maintenance and public spaces
- Traffic management and safer crossings
- Community and youth facilities
- Modernised buildings and better pedestrian/cycling routes
- Addressing antisocial behaviour and safety concerns
Specific preferences
- Library: strong support to expand or improve on the existing canalside site
- Health Centre: strong support for a new, larger facility on/near the current site
- Traffic: strong desire for safer pedestrian crossings; mixed views on pedestrianisation of Old Church Street
- Public space: very strong support for improving the canal towpath, All Saints’ grounds, and creating a new public square
- Housing: Majority positive about new homes of mixed tenures, especially affordable options