This regeneration scheme forms part of the city’s £4 billion Northern Gateway project.
The proposals – which represent the first major regeneration of the area in 50 years – feature 244 new homes, comprising a mix of town houses and apartments, including 100 homes for social rent, and a new 1.3 hectare public park.
The diverse range of homes is intended to cater for a mix of families, young professionals and older residents, as the joint venture looks to create a sustainable neighbourhood for current and future generations.
As part of the Collyhurst Village proposals, the first phase of New Collyhurst Park will deliver a new public green space for Manchester, with more than 450 trees expected to be planted as part of a network of green links to the surrounding village, and according to Manchester City Council, the masterplan for the area also includes almost 2,000 sq ft of neighbourhood-focused commercial and retail space, as the joint venture partnership looks to “improve community assets and provide new inclusive public realm spaces for residents”.
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The planning application – which has been submitted to Manchester City Council’s Planning & Highways Committee – follows a three-phased public consultation delivered by FEC in 2020.
More than 2,500 people – including local residents – took part across both physical and digital consultations, with the first phase of plans said to “reflect local appetite for increased connectivity, green space and the continued celebration of Collyhurst’s identity and heritage”.
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Responses to the consultation overwhelmingly supported the proposals, with respondents equally positive that they met the needs of the community in Collyhurst.
The proposals represent part of the first phase of the Strategic Regeneration Framework for Manchester City Council and FEC’s redevelopment of parts of North Manchester – other neighbourhoods involved in the first phase of development include Red Bank and New Cross – which is aiming to deliver up to 15,000 new homes, while rejuvenating disused land over the next 15 years.
And detailed proposals for a second scheme to be delivered within neighbouring South Collyhurst – one of the seven neighbourhoods to be developed as part of the overall Framework – are expected later this year.
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Initial developments across the two neighbourhoods are expected to deliver 130 new affordable homes.
Speaking on the plans submitted and the release of the first computer-generated images to coincide with this, Cllr Suzanne Richards – Executive Member for Housing and Regeneration at Manchester City Council – said: “Submitting the first planning application for Collyhurst Village is a landmark moment for local people and represents the beginning of the end of a long journey for residents in the area who have been waiting for this investment in their community.
“The Northern Gateway project is hugely exciting for Manchester.
“Given the economic impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on our towns and cities, the continuation of this investment is encouraging as a marker of confidence that our city will recover and thrive once COVID is behind us.”
She also thanked everyone who took part in the consultation last year.
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“The number of responses was brilliant and input from the people who live in the area has provided invaluable insight to help guide the principles of development” she added.
Victoria Hunter – Development Manager at FEC – also added: “Over the past 12 months, we’ve seen the overriding importance of tight-knit communities, and the role access to high quality homes, sustainable community assets and green space have to play in facilitating them.
“Working with and for the people of Collyhurst, who have informed this application, it’s our ambition to deliver a vibrant and inclusive neighbourhood that has unique and lasting appeal for both existing and new residents.
“In doing so, we plan to champion the area’s heritage and its residents as part of the wider regeneration framework, improving connections to the city while celebrating Collyhurst’s iconic red sandstone which forms the fabric of Manchester as we know it.”
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Work is expected to begin on the Collyhurst Regeneration this summer, with delivery scheduled for completion in summer 2024.
Manchester firefighter surprises partner with proposal during new recruits parade
Danny Jones
We’re a sucker for a wholesome little video as we know you are, which is exactly why we thought of you lot when we came across this video of a newly graduated Manchester firefighter surprising his partner with a heartwarming proposal.
Just the kind of heartwarming that usually sets us off after a long week at work.
The clip shared by Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) on Thursday, 25 April, shows Manc fireman James popping the question to his girlfriend sat unassumingly in the audience at a recent passing out ceremony.
Pass out ceremonies are when trainees go from recruits to fully qualified firefighters after completing their intensive operational training. It’s a long-standing tradition in the emergency services where friends and family gather to celebrate their achievements – it’s almost like it’s the perfect opportunity…
As you can see, since the graduates are usually the centre of attention, James couldn’t help but size his moment and instead of walking and lining up normally like everyone else, he decided to head straight over to his wife-to-be and get down on one knee.
You already know the rest.
Welling up immediately and barely able to remove her hands from her face, Melissa nods and says yes as the crowd cheers and the pair share a smooch.
Writing on social media, the GMFRS said: “We managed to capture a VERY special moment at our new recruits pass out parade today… Congratulations to James and Melissa!”, adding, “Certainly one way to start your new career”.
If we don’t see all the groomsmen dressed as firefighters on a random viral video sometime soon we’re going to be gutted.
All the best to the happy couple and if you’ve got any more lovely clips like this to send in so we can make ourselves cry (in a good way), you know what to do.
Featured Images — Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service
News
Peter Kay’s statement in full as his Co-op Live gigs are postponed for SECOND time
Daisy Jackson
Peter Kay has issued a statement after his two gigs at Co-op Live were rescheduled – again.
The Bolton-born comedian was supposed to officially open the huge new Manchester venue last week, but ‘power supply issues’ forced it to be rescheduled.
He was then supposed to perform on Monday and Tuesday of next week instead, but these two shows have been pushed back even further.
Peter Kay has now issued a statement addressing the postponement, saying it’s ‘very disappointing’.
He also said: “I know, I can’t believe it either.”
He’s even amended his own tour poster to add the disclaimer: “(If they actually open the place).”
The star joked that he was now the ‘ninth artist in the world’ to play there.
The legendary comic wrote: “To everybody with tickets, my apologies once again but unfortunately the Co-op Live still isn’t ready and so, as yet, remains untested for a large-scale audience.
“Consequently, they are having to reschedule my two shows yet again (I know I can’t believe it either).
“The first available dates the shows can reschedule to are as follows: Mon 29th April to Thurs 23rd May, Tues 30th April to Frid 24th May.
“Tickets will be transferred, or refunds given if the new dates aren’t suitable.
“It’s very disappointing but your safety is important, and I won’t compromise that.”
Co-op Live said in a statement: “Since making the difficult decision to postpone the live shows at Co-op Live due to take place this week, we have been undertaking an extensive protocol of testing critical procedures to ensure all areas are ready for fans.”
They’ve also made the rather bold decision to once again assure fans that the next raft of shows now set to be their opening gigs – big dates from Boogie Wit Da Hoodie and Olivia Rodrigo – are still set to go ahead as scheduled.
Touch wood.
“To ensure that we can run all shows safely, regretfully we have now had to take the decision to reschedule the planned The Black Keys and Peter Kay shows.
“Both The Black Keys and Peter Kay have graciously agreed to reschedule their shows. The Black Keys will now perform on 15 May 2024, and Peter Kay will now perform on 23 and 24 May 2024.
“All tickets remain valid and ticket holders will be contacted by their point of purchase. Refunds will be available for those who can no longer attend.
“We deeply appreciate the impact this will have on excited fans, and sincerely apologise for the inconvenience that this change will undoubtedly cause. Rescheduling Peter Kay and The Black Keys will give us the extra time we need to continue testing enhanced emergency communications thoroughly.
“This is vital to satisfy the rigorous set of guidelines and protocols that are necessary for a venue of this size to ensure that our fans, artists and staff have the safest experience possible.”