Manchester is set to transform the forgotten industrial edge of Deansgate into a new city centre park, following council plans to regenerate the area around Water Street. The land, currently occupied by low-density industrial units and warehouses wedged between Castlefield and Trinity Way, will be replaced by green space and four new skyscrapers, with ground floors opened up for retail or residential amenity spaces.
Plans for the New Park and Development
The regeneration framework, which received 90 per cent support in public consultation, aims to create a 'landmark' park where the River Irwell meets the River Medlock. The project also includes improved public spaces, enhanced walking and cycling connections, and significant new green infrastructure centred around the River Medlock. Viaduct arches in the area have been earmarked for retail and hospitality units.
Deansgate councillor Marcus Johns expressed enthusiasm at the town hall meeting on July 8, stating: “I think it’s brilliant this regeneration framework has made this progress. We brought the Medlock back to life at Mayfield in Piccadilly with the first new park in a century. Now we’re going to bring the Medlock back to life at Water Street and Castlefield with our second new city centre park in a decade.”
Addressing the Current State of the Area
Coun Johns described the existing industrial units as making people feel like they’ve ‘been ejected from the city centre’, and called the site “absolutely the right candidate for the kind of green space revolution that we promised our residents in Deansgate.” He added: “This plan allows us to create our next city centre crown jewel as high quality as Mayfield.”
Coun Johns suggested naming the park, with popular options including Castlefield Park and Gardens, Water Street Park, Potato Park, and Spud Park. He personally hopes for ‘Spud Park’.
Next Steps and Future Development
The council executive meeting was told that the next steps involve finding a development partner to make the blueprint a reality. Coun Gavin White, Manchester council’s executive member for housing and regeneration, said: “The wider Water Street area has seen major regeneration in recent years with world-class investment at St John’s and Aviva Studios on its doorstep, alongside impressive residential developments. This renewed regeneration framework will help guide investment to bring this area up to the same ambitious level with new housing, including affordable housing to create an inclusive new neighbourhood, complemented by a brand-new city centre urban park.”
Coun White continued: “This is a major opportunity to deliver an exciting new district, new jobs and green space, that will enhance the quality of life for existing and future residents, while helping to meet demand for quality new homes and support Manchester’s ongoing economic growth. In the remaining Water Street sites, we have a blank canvas with a huge amount of potential. We look forward to schemes being brought forward to deliver a unique space in our city centre.”
