Residents of Collyhurst have expressed concerns that they are being 'pushed out' of their neighbourhood to make way for new housing and infrastructure as part of a major regeneration project. The scheme, a joint venture between Manchester City Council and Hong Kong-based developer Far East Consortium, aims to deliver new homes, a shop, community space, and a park, alongside a new Metrolink tram stop at Sandhills. However, some long-standing residents fear the changes will lead to gentrification and the displacement of established communities.
Residents Voice Displacement Fears
Sean Wood, 31, who lives with his parents in a council-rented house, said: "I grew up around here, I love it, but we're being pushed out. In the next five or six years, we'll have to move. My entire family is from this area. It's gentrification. People are now moving to Collyhurst from London and down south, the city centre is being expanded and we're paying the price." He added that the close-knit community, where neighbours once knew and helped each other, is eroding as new faces arrive.
Kieran Ashley, 29, who lives with his mother and sister, said: "Eventually we will be moving out of our house. People are worried because they've seen this happen in other areas, like Ancoats. They're building the city centre out, we said it would happen and now it is. We already have people from London moving here, it is gentrification, and that can be good, but there are also a lot of families who have been around here for ages." He acknowledged the area needs change, noting that houses are "falling down" and there are few shops, leaving older residents reliant on ready meals.
Local Business Owner Faces Uncertainty
Collyhurst Village Store, the only convenience shop on the estate, is within the regeneration boundary. Owner Yaser Mehmood, 46, who has run the business for 20 years, said: "They are going to knock this shop down, anytime they could give me four weeks to leave. They're giving me compensation, but I don't know what I'll be doing next." He expressed mixed feelings, acknowledging change is good for Collyhurst but worrying about older residents who are "comfortable here." He added: "A lot of people are saying they will miss me, which is a huge honour. I thank the people of Collyhurst and Manchester City Council."
Next to the shop, a row of terraced houses on Johnny King Close stands empty and boarded up, with residents saying all tenants have been moved on. Ola Kotun, 57, who lives nearby, said his home will be knocked down but he will move only two minutes away. He disagreed with claims of gentrification, stating: "I think it will bring more development to Collyhurst. There's going to be a park, it will be more family friendly. Sometimes people resist change, but for me it will improve things."
Council Assures No One Must Leave
Councillor Gavin White, Manchester council's lead on housing and regeneration, said: "We made sure that Collyhurst was in the first phase of the major Victoria North regeneration programme because we were committed to investing in this community. While we understand that change at this scale can feel unsettling, we also know from speaking to local people that this area is in real need of investment." He emphasised: "A key promise that we have made to Collyhurst people is that no one will need to leave the area completely unless they want to." The council has taken lessons from past schemes like Ancoats, offering brand new homes to those who need to move.
In the first phase of 274 new homes, 130 are council homes for social rent, owned and managed by the council. The first completions were handed over last year, with the next batch due this summer alongside a new, expanded shop. Councillor White added: "The next new properties in South Collyhurst will help residents to return who were moved out some years ago. We are now working on a principle that anyone who has to move won't need to leave the area at all."
Long-Term Plans Include Tram Stop and Park
Looking ahead, the council is designing phase 2, which includes a new and extended local park. Residents will be invited to give feedback in the coming months. A new tram stop at Sandhills, on the Bury and Oldham and Rochdale lines, is expected to become operational between 2030 and 2031, subject to funding and approvals. A Transport for Greater Manchester spokesperson said: "The proposed Sandhills tram stop would help bring the Bee Network into the heart of Victoria North, supporting thousands of new homes and connecting people with jobs, education, and opportunities."
Longtime resident Janet O'Reilly, 66, said: "I think this area needs a change, definitely. It used to be very different, there were house robberies every day, you were scared to go out. The neighbours are nice and people look after each other." Despite concerns, many locals acknowledge the area's decline and welcome the investment, hoping it will bring a brighter future for Collyhurst.
