‘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.’
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.
The landscape and public realm consultant is Schulze-Grassov, while Civic Engineers will focus on movement and highways, Useful Projects on zero carbon strategy and Placed on community engagement.
Bev Craig, councillor and leader of Manchester City Council 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.’
‘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.’
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.
Nicola Rigby, principal at Avison Young said: ‘[This 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.
The appointment comes just two months after LDA Design won Manchester City Council’s international design contest for a £25 million revamp of Piccadilly Gardens.
Team in full
- 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
It is understood that once this high-level plan has been adopted next year, different sites will then be brought forward for development with a range of partners, who would bring in their own architects to design each plot.
The team chosen to create the new Strangeways and Cambridge Strategic Regeneration Framework (SRF) features Maccreanor Lavington as masterplanner and urban design lead, with Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios (FCBS) focusing on architecture and heritage.
The lead consultant for the study – which will guide the transformation of the neighbourhood next to the infamous prison over the next decade and beyond – is Avison Young.
The project is part-funded by Homes England and the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. Key aims of the regeneration include delivering new homes, high-quality public realm and new commercial spaces that support local businesses growth and investment.