A report announcing a refreshed Strategic Regeneration Framework (SRF) for the former retail site was heard by the Council’s Executive in December, updating a previous SRF that was agreed by the Council in 2020.   

There is a renewed commitment that the regeneration of the former Central Retail Park will create a high-quality, sustainable office district with attractive public realm at its heart. It will deliver significant new employment opportunities for the city and the local community.   

The draft Strategic Regeneration Framework sets out a new vision for the development of the site with a focus on: 

New office and workspaces – the site could be home to around 8,000 jobs and contribute to the continued regeneration of the Ancoats neighbourhood and help meet growing demand in this part of the city.

Green spaces – Developing this site will create a new public link through to the adjacent Cotton Field Park and create a green space at the heart of the low-carbon commercial district. The new public realm, which would be open to all, could provide a range of spaces from terraced lawns and informal seating to lush planting.

Retail and leisure spaces – the vision includes spaces for shops and cafés, providing attractive new facilities for local residents, visitors and the new working population on the site.

Connectivity – the vision promotes new and improved links for pedestrians and cyclists in the area, making it easier, safer and more attractive to walk or cycle into the city or towards key transport hubs. The site’s proximity to Manchester’s main transport routes will make it a prime location for future business.

The Government Property Agency (GPA) is exploring options for delivering office solutions in Manchester, to meet the needs of various civil servant departments, which supports the Government’s commitment to locate more civil servants outside of London and support levelling up. Therefore, the new framework also responds to potential interest from the GPA to locate government offices on the site.