The next steps for the once in a generation transformation of Collyhurst Village and South Collyhurst have been set out.
This comes as the joint venture between Manchester City Council and Far East Consortium has now appointed a masterplanning team for future phases of development.
Collyhurst is one of the first areas to be developed as part of the major Victoria North regeneration programme being delivered by the joint venture, which will see 15,000 new homes built across seven new and emerging neighbourhoods in north Manchester over the next two decades.
Find more information about Collyhurst’s regeneration journey so far in notes to editors below.
With site works having begun to deliver 274 new low carbon homes – including 130 homes for social rent – alongside a new community park and commercial space, the JV is turning its attention to delivering the longer-term vision for both neighbourhoods.
Outlined in an update to the Collyhurst regeneration plan, the JV intends to work with a masterplanning team to develop a street-by-street plan that builds on the vision set out in the 2019 Strategic Regeneration Framework (SRF) for Victoria North.
The masterplanning team includes Mæ (lead architect), Turner.Works (meanwhile use), Schulze+Grassov (landscape and public realm) and IF_DO (community engagement). The team is expected to work with existing local residents to shape the design of potential new homes, streets and parks, with a programme of public engagement due to begin in the coming months. This will include a range of interactive events and activities, which will be inclusive and accessible to all members of the community. The community engagement programme is likely to involve workshops and consultation events to gather the views of local residents and get their feedback, a series of community design sessions involving residents, exhibitions and online engagement.
Initial modelling undertaken as part of the Strategic Regeneration Framework (SRF) for Victoria North indicates the potential for up to 3,000 new homes The 2019 SRF for Victoria North sets out the potential for up to 3,000 new homes – with a key focus on affordability – to be built in Collyhurst through a process of long-term and phased estate remodelling. Future housing investment would be delivered alongside new local services and amenities, public realm and transport infrastructure, including investment in active travel.
Any future development would build on meaningful community engagement and consultation to ensure local people remain at the heart of the investment proposals. The joint venture will also retain its commitment to support current residents to remain in Collyhurst – as a single move to a newly built property - so they can benefit from the investment in the area.
The JV is also beginning a process to develop a strategy for delivering the large number of affordable homes planned for future phases of the Collyhurst programme, with the potential to partner with a panel of registered housing providers.
Cllr Gavin White, Manchester City Council’s executive member for housing and development, said: “The Collyhurst neighbourhood has been a key target for regeneration for many years and we know from speaking to local people how needed and how welcome this investment will be.
“We remain absolutely committed to the development in Collyhurst Village and South Collyhurst with work already starting on site. We want this initial phase of investment to be the catalyst for future development in the area, which we believe has the potential for around 3,000 new homes – with affordability being a crucial element – in the coming years, along with investment in local green space, new shops and services.
“At the heart of this work is the local community. We want to make sure local people in Collyhurst benefit from the investment in their area. So, it’s with thanks to everyone who has taken part in the consultation exercises and engagement sessions so far. You have helped guide us to where we are today. And, we look forward to working with the community again on future phases of development.”
Victoria Hunter, senior development manager at Far East Consortium, said: “The appointment of a masterplanning team is a significant step forward in the future of Collyhurst, with the team selected based on an approach that puts the existing community at the centre of the design process – recognising that communities evolve from existing places and relationships.
“Over the coming months, we will be planning how the community engagement will happen. Critically, we want to listen and to explore ideas with existing residents, guided by key principles including retention of existing residents through a mixture of new homes and tenancies, as well as the growth and re-provision of affordable homes. The local community deserve the best expertise available and the team will bring knowledge, passion and energy to help plan a once in a generation opportunity.”
Find out more about the Victoria North regeneration programme: www.victorianorth.co.uk.