Great Ducie Street Regeneration

The regeneration of Great Ducie Street transforms Manchester by revitalising a historically industrial area and integrating it into the thriving urban environment. Manchester City Council and Salford City Council spearhead this ambitious project to address longstanding issues such as crime, poor infrastructure, and environmental challenges. The Strategic Regeneration Framework (SRF) for Great Ducie Street outlines comprehensive plans to create new commercial spaces, residential areas, and green corridors, positioning the area as a significant hub for economic growth and community development.

Key Takeaways:

• Scope and Scale: The regeneration encompasses 320 acres, aiming to develop commercial, residential, and public spaces.
• Housing Strategy: Manchester aims to deliver 36,000 new homes by 2032, including 10,000 social and affordable homes.
• Economic Impact: The project is set to boost Manchester’s economy by creating jobs and attracting businesses.
• Community and Environmental Benefits: The plan includes green corridors and a low-carbon development strategy.
• Collaborative Effort: The regeneration involves a multi-disciplinary team led by Avison Young, focusing on urban design, architecture, heritage, landscape design, movement, and community engagement.

Proposed Plans for Great Ducie Street

Commercial Space and Green Corridors

The regeneration plan proposes 2.8 million square feet of commercial space, designed to attract a diverse range of businesses, from retail to innovative startups. Furthermore, integral to the project are green corridors and public spaces, which enhance the quality of life for residents and create a sustainable urban environment. Moreover, these green spaces and pedestrian-friendly areas will not only provide aesthetic value but also foster a sense of community and promote environmental health and well-being.

Residential Developments

Addressing Manchester's housing needs is a critical component of the SRF. Specifically, the plan includes residential developments that cater to various demographics, thereby ensuring a mix of affordable and market-rate housing. Moreover, this aligns with Manchester's broader housing strategy to deliver 36,000 new homes by 2032, with a significant portion dedicated to social and affordable housing. Consequently, the SRF aims to support this goal by creating vibrant, inclusive communities.

Meeting Housing Needs

Manchester’s new Housing Strategy aims to meet the growing demand for housing in the city. Consequently, with a population growth highest within the economically active 20-29 age bands, the city needs to build 60,000 new homes over the next 15-20 years to meet regional needs. Nationwide, the UK faces a housing shortfall; in fact, at least 345,000 new homes are needed annually, but only around 240,000 were delivered in 2019-20. Therefore, projects like the Great Ducie Street regeneration are crucial in addressing this shortfall and providing much-needed housing.

Economic Impact and Job Creation

The regeneration of Great Ducie Street is expected to be a significant economic catalyst for Manchester. By transforming underutilised areas into vibrant commercial and residential hubs, this project will attract businesses, create jobs, and stimulate economic activity. Consequently, this contributes to Manchester’s Gross Value Added (GVA), which saw a growth of 3.6% in 2015, surpassing London’s 3.2%. Furthermore, the project supports the city's strategic objective to enhance productivity and create neighborhoods where communities can thrive.

Sustainable Development

Sustainability is a cornerstone of the SRF, which, therefore, emphasises a low-carbon development strategy. Consequently, the plan includes a zero-carbon approach, ensuring new developments adhere to high environmental standards. This involves, for instance, implementing sustainable building practices, energy-efficient technologies, and sustainable transportation options to minimise environmental impact. Additionally, it aligns with Manchester’s broader goals of reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainable urban growth. Furthermore, this includes the creation of quality public spaces that encourage low-carbon living.

Boosting Manchester's Economy

Investment Opportunities

The regeneration of Great Ducie Street offers lucrative investment opportunities. Moreover, Rothmore Property, known for its numerous investment ventures across the UK, highlights these regeneration projects as particularly attractive prospects. Furthermore, these projects expand city centers, create new business opportunities, and enhance property values, making them ideal for investment. The Great Ducie Street regeneration is no exception, presenting a prime opportunity for investors to be part of Manchester’s dynamic growth.

Addressing Housing Needs

The need for new housing is acute in Manchester and across the UK. The city's ambitious housing strategy aims to meet this demand, with plans to build 60,000 homes over the next 15-20 years. Nationally, the UK needs at least 345,000 new homes annually, but the actual number delivered in recent years has fallen short. Regeneration projects like Great Ducie Street are essential to closing this gap and providing much-needed housing.

Community and Business Growth

The regeneration will foster a vibrant community, supporting existing businesses and, moreover, attracting new ones. Consequently, the integration of commercial and residential spaces creates a dynamic environment where businesses can thrive and residents can enjoy high-quality urban living. Furthermore, this holistic approach ensures that the benefits of regeneration are felt across the community, thereby enhancing the overall quality of life.

Consultant Team and Future Vision

A seven-strong team of consultants, led by Avison Young, is tasked with creating the Strategic Regeneration Framework (SRF) for the Great Ducie Street area. Consequently, this multidisciplinary team includes experts in urban design, architecture, landscape design and highways, zero carbon strategy, and community engagement. Their goal, therefore, is to develop a 10-year vision that guides the transformation of this long-neglected area. Moreover, Nicola Rigby, Principal at Avison Young, describes the SRF as an “incredibly important piece of work” that combines the strengths of Manchester and Salford to deliver meaningful change.

Conclusion

The Great Ducie Street regeneration transforms Manchester, reflecting a commitment to sustainable growth, economic development, and community well-being. By converting a historically industrial area into a vibrant urban hub, the SRF creates a thriving community that meets the needs of residents and businesses alike. This ambitious initiative underscores the importance of strategic planning and collaborative efforts in driving urban regeneration and economic prosperity.