Team appointed to masterplan long-term Strangeways regeneration

Avison Young will lead a specialist team to deliver the framework on behalf of Manchester and Salford City Councils, which will include economic analysis, masterplanning, urban and landscape design, heritage, and strategic property advice.  

The team will bring expertise across a range of different disciplines, building on previous projects delivered in Manchester.  

The team includes:  

• Avison Young – lead consultant  
• Maccreanor Lavington – Masterplanning and Urban Design Lead  
• Feilden Clegg Bradley – Architecture and Heritage  
• Schulze-Grassov – Landscape Design and Public Realm  
• Civic Engineers – Movement and Highways   
• Useful Projects – Zero Carbon Strategy  
• Placed – Community Engagement  

The group will work with both councils to develop the SRF through the autumn prior to public consultation next year, with the document being reported to Manchester and Salford’s respective executive committees next summer.   

The production of the Strangeways and Cambridge Strategic Regeneration Framework will be part-funded with grant from Homes England and by the city-region’s allocation of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), which is being managed and distributed by Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA).    

Leader of the Council, Cllr Bev Craig said:   

“Strangeways is a gateway into our city centre and therefore it is a priority area for investment in the coming years. We know there is huge potential here, and this regeneration framework is a statement of intent that we are committed to realising the untapped value of this neighbourhood.   

“Following months of intensive operations between the Council, GMP and other agencies we have worked to remove the criminal enterprises that have undermined the reputation of the area and limited the chance for existing legitimate businesses to prosper.  

“We now want to see a plan that supports the area’s existing employment base, whilst also setting out an ambitious low-carbon development programme that will deliver new homes, quality public realm and new commercial spaces that can support businesses to grow and invest in the area.”   

Salford City Mayor, Paul Dennett added:   

“This is an important step in the right direction to strategically plan for the future of regeneration and development in a previously often over-looked part of Salford and Manchester on the banks of the river Irwell and at a key gateway point for both our cities. I’m eager to see the next phase of this project progressed, especially the planned public and stakeholder consultation and for the outcomes from this work, led by Avison Young, to ultimately culminate in a Strategic Regeneration framework for this part of our two cities.  This work will also complement work to date that has already happened in the City of Salford with regards to the regeneration and development of Greengate, Blackfriars & Trinity and Lower Broughton, it’s an obvious ‘missing piece of the jigsaw’ when we think about the on-going development of our city and our aspirations to create connected and sustainable communities.   

“Ultimately, the goal here is to establish a framework that meets the needs and aspirations of both Salford and Manchester, while also creating an attractive and sustainable proposition for businesses and local residents. We need to ensure that the framework provides as clear vision for how the development will breathe new life into this area, supporting residents and communities in the delivery of sustainable communities, embedding low-carbon principles into any forthcoming development and regeneration, creating quality public realm, while also supporting existing and new business to thrive.”    

Nicola Rigby, Principal Avison Young added: 

“We are delighted to be appointed by the Councils on this incredibly important piece of work. The Strangeways and Cambridge area is one of the last pieces of the city fringe to be considered on a comprehensive basis, and a great example of the two cities combining to deliver meaningful change. It has the potential to be of national and international significance in terms of its scale and potential impact – with our excitement for the opportunity reflected in the calibre of team that will input to the SRF process. Our approach will combine this level of ambition with close working with existing resident and business community to ensure meaningful and long-term positive investment is brought forward.”