A consultation has opened today gathering feedback from local people about the masterplan for the Grey Mare Lane estate in east Manchester.
The estate was built by the Council more than 50years ago and holds great potential for regeneration as part of the ongoing transformation of east Manchester. (See note to Editors)
The Council has been reviewing and updating a previous 2021 masterplan for the 23ha estate – around 23 football pitches in size - expanding the ambition of the proposals to a larger footprint that will look to deliver at least 1,000 new homes – including a significant number of new affordable homes and new green spaces.
The aim is to develop a future-proofed, highly sustainable neighbourhood for existing and new residents, with community being a key focus of the plan.
The masterplan presents a high-level overview of the regeneration opportunities within the estate and outlines potential approaches to its delivery.
Potential projects include
- Opportunities to develop up to 1,000 new homes including significant new affordable housing
- Upgrades to existing streets and introduction of new cycle lanes, pedestrian walking routes, sustainable drainage systems, and street greening.
- Improved green space with provision of play equipment for children of all ages
- Creating a true heart and focal point in the estate with improved retail, community and health offer
- Introduction of a school street or play street between the East Manchester Academy and St Brigid’s School to promote safe streets for children
- Reducing the number of lanes at the junction between Bell Crescent and Alan Turing Way
- Creation of new access routes onto Grey Mare Lane from Newcombe Close and Raglan Close
First Development Plot
Great Places, a northern housing association, will also begin targeted engagement around their development at the site on the corner of Grey Mare Lane and Ashton New Road from 5 June – and will be part of the in-person consultation event (see below for full details).
The proposed scheme will deliver a block of 66 apartments for social rent providing a landmark gateway development into the masterplan area.
This means residents can find out about the overall masterplan for the estate and, at the same time, learn more about the site planned for development.
To note a planning application will be submitted alongside the masterplan for the estate and Great Places have been working closely with the Council and the masterplan architect to ensure that our proposals are aligned.
Architect BDP have delivered the masterplan on behalf of the Grey Mare Lane partnership.
Be part of the Grey Mare Lane consultation:
Local people can provide their feedback online
And any questions should be directed to: gmlregen@manchester.gov.uk
The local community are also invited to an in-person drop-in event on 5 June between 2.30pm and 6.30pm at the Grange, 4 Pilgrim Drive, M11 3TQ.
Consultation closes on 30 June 2024
Cllr Gavin White, Manchester City Council’s executive member for housing and development, said:
“The Grey Mare Lane estate is, for many reasons, a great place to live. There are already lots of affordable homes, great connections to the city centre via various public transport options, schools and colleges close by, and this community is at the heart of the transformation of the wider area - now globally recognised for sport and leisure.
“However, 50years after the estate was first built by the Council, this neighbourhood needs investment that will keep it in step with the wider area. And we know residents have been waiting patiently for the plans to come forward.
“The Council has updated the masterplan for the estate with ambitious proposals to build at least 1,000 new homes in the area – alongside green spaces and new routes for walking and cycling. Now we need local people to give us their feedback and I’d urge as many people to take part as possible.”
Helen Spencer, Executive Director of Growth, said:
“We are committed to listening to and involving residents in plans for their local area to ensure it remains a place they are proud to live.
“We will soon be sharing our initial proposals for one of the sites forming part of the masterplan and would encourage local people to give us their feedback and share what they would like to see come forward across the estate.
“Regenerating local areas can only be done by working together and we are looking forward to working with our partners and the community to shape the exciting vision of the masterplan.”
Lisa Johnson, Director of Development at One Manchester, said:
“Engaging with residents is essential as the area goes through large-scale investment and development. We're looking forward to chatting with as many residents as possible to make sure there’s a good representation of voices and opinions. Resident input will really help shape the future plans for Grey Mare Lane.”