A new public consultation opens today (Thurs 30 Oct) providing an update on the big picture of regeneration in Collyhurst, how resident feedback has shaped the plan so far, and what will happen next.
This will include gathering further feedback from local people and businesses to inform the regeneration of the north Manchester neighbourhood – part of the major Victoria North regeneration programme.
Conversation with the community around future investment in Collyhurst started in the spring of 2024, while work to deliver Phase One was already underway to build 274 new homes in Collyhurst Village and South Collyhurst – including 130 Council homes for social rent.
Now the first tranche of new homes has been completed and passed over to residents and, with the remaining properties expected to be completed next year, engagement with the community has restarted.
The Future of Collyhurst Village
As part of the Phase One development, a brand new community park will be open in 2027 designed for residents of all ages to enjoy, as well as a local shop and community space – representing the completion of the first phase of investment in Collyhurst Village.
The park will include a neighbourhood square creating a welcoming entrance from Rochdale Road. The space will provide a green sanctuary with new trees, planting, orchard and wildflower areas. While a new play area will feature a wide range of play equipment alongside lawned areas for relaxed play.
Long-term investment in the community
The consultation will also present ideas as part of the masterplan vision for the wider Collyhurst area.
Victoria North, which is being delivered by a joint venture between Manchester City Council and FEC, was recently named as one of the government’s recommended New Towns , which will enable long-term support to be committed to deliver the ambitious regeneration programme in full.
For Collyhurst, this will include a new Metrolink station at Sandhills, which will create a focal point for the growing community, and new homes – including more affordable housing – along with new services, including new shops, medical facilities, better connections to the city centre and an expanded education offer.
The existing Sandhills Park will see significant enhancements in the coming years, alongside great travel options to and through Collyhurst – including excellent walking and cycling routes.
This will allow residents to enjoy uninterrupted green travel from Collyhurst, through Sandhills and Vauxhall Gardens to the city centre via St Catherine’s Wood along the planned 40-hectare City River Park – the first phase of redevelopment of the wood is on site now and projected to complete in 2026.
Take part in the consultation and in-person events
Local people can find out more and gives their thoughts online
There are also a number of in-person engagement opportunities to speak to the project team and discuss the development proposals in detail – with refreshments and craft activities for young people.
- Church of the Saviour, Eggington Street, M40 7RN – Monday 10 Nov 3pm to 7pm
- St Patrick’s Church, Livesey Street, M4 5HF – Thurs 13 Nov 11am to 2.30pm
The team will also be available for a chat at Kylie’s Kitchen on Tues 18 November from 9am to 11am.
Local people can also get in touch on 08081 699 993 or email [email protected]
The public consultation will be open until Sunday 23 November.
Cllr Gavin White, Manchester City Council’s executive member for housing and development, said:
“We have just celebrated the first residents moving into their new homes in Collyhurst Village, including the first social rent council tenants, which is a great moment for the community – and for the wider Victoria North programme. So this is a good time to restart the conversation with local people about the future of their neighbourhood.
“This consultation is about reaffirming the vision and a chance to find out more about the long-term ideas for the wider neighbourhood – including the new Metrolink stop at Sandhills and how Collyhurst will connect to its surroundings.
“Residents can take a look online, but I would encourage people to come down to a drop-in event where the project team will be able to answer questions and local people can find out more. Regeneration isn’t just about buildings. It’s the people that make a community – so it’s really important we can give residents the opportunity to help guide this vision.”
Hilary Brett, Development Director at FEC, said:
“There’s real momentum behind this project, and the first residents moving into the new homes in Collyhurst is a significant milestone. We want to make sure that we’re bringing everyone along on this journey with us and this consultation is an important way of helping to make that happen.
“As well as building new council and private homes, the vision is also about enriching the area, such as with the new park, community facilities and Sandhills Metrolink stop. We can only do this successfully by working with the community and we are looking forward to hearing their thoughts on the future of Collyhurst.”