Manchester City Council signs agreement to regenerate East Manchester
Manchester City Council, New East Manchester (NEM) and Manchester City Football Club (MCFC) have today signed a formal agreement to collaborate to create a transformation plan for east Manchester.
The plan will be focussed on the area around the City of Manchester stadium.
The agreement creates the opportunity for a long-term partnership between Manchester City Council, NEM and MCFC, to develop their mutual ambitions for the area. All of the parties share the desire for any commercial development to deliver long lasting economic and community growth to the east Manchester area.
The agreement provides the context for work which is now underway on the short term, and potential long term possibilities for the area.
In the short term, the Joint Development Board will seek to enhance the destination role of the Sportcity site and to enrich the visitor experience by the provision of superior amenities and improved surroundings. The aim is to deliver a better space for fans on match days as well as providing year round activity for residents and new visitors on non-match days, thereby truly embedding the stadium in the heart of its east Manchester community.
In the medium to longer term, the Joint Development Board will look at proposals for the commercial development of land held by the three parties and will look to capitalise on the opportunities to further regenerate east Manchester and to create a nationally significant destination.
The combined interests of the land, held by the three parties represents a total of around 200 acres, including the existing Sportcity campus and 59 acres of land in Openshaw West owned by Manchester City Football Club. The Club has confirmed that it is its intention that over time, the potential development of this land would form part of its contribution to the regeneration of east Manchester.
Sir Richard Leese, Leader of Manchester City Council said: "The collective strength of the Council and the Club, two very ambitious partners, will be the engine of economic growth and will build on the regeneration work already in evidence in the area. From the securing of the Metrolink tram system to the building of world class sporting facilities in and around Sportcity, there has already been real vision in creating a sustainable future for east Manchester.
"The City of Manchester Stadium has also been a credit to the city and this further investment will enable local people who can work to work, will give our young people the best possible start in life and will make east Manchester a place in which to work, invest, live and visit."
