A handful of parks in Manchester have once again been handed coveted awards and named among the best in the UK.
It may be on your radar that for several years running now, greenspaces in Greater Manchester have deservingly been recipients of the prestigious Green Flag Award – which is an internationally-recognised honour given annually to the parks and cemeteries that have “attained a high standard of green space”.
And 2023 seems to be absolutely no different, with the region coming out on top once again.
Green Flag Awards are granted by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy each year to recognise accessible green spaces that set “an international benchmark for management”.
It's a record-breaking year for Britain's parks and green spaces 🏆
An impressive 2,216 parks are proudly preparing to raise their @GreenFlagAward in 2023.
— Keep Britain Tidy (@KeepBritainTidy) July 18, 2023
Every site recognised through the scheme is assessed by experienced judges who judge the parks using eight criteria – a welcoming place, healthy, safe and secure, well-maintained and clean, environmental management, biodiversity, landscape and heritage, community involvement, marketing and communication, and management.
With 2023 seeing the highest number of accreditations, and a total of 2,216 parks receiving the honour nationwide, Manchester City Council has revealed this week that Blackley, Gorton, Philips Park, and Southern Cemeteries have all been given the Green Flag Award, as well as both Alexandra Park and Heaton Park retaining the important title too.
That’s not the only accolade for Heaton Park this year either, as the popular community hub was also awarded the Green Heritage Accreditation and two Green Flag Community Awards.
Heaton Park / Credit: Geograph (David Dixon) | Wikimedia Commons
Manchester councillors say they’re proud of this “great achievement” after ploughing “essential investment” into the recognised greenspaces over that last year to ensure they are able to be “the best they can be”.
“Our parks and green areas are essential spaces in our city,” Councillor Lee-Ann Igbon, who is the Executive Member for Vibrant Neighbourhoods, commented on the accolades.
“They provide our residents with priceless place where they can relax, exercise and enjoy themselves.”
Cllr Igbon also took a moment to thank the hundreds of volunteers, and park and cemetery keepers who dedicate their time to maintaining these spaces – adding that the Green Flag Awards are a testament to their work and serve as “great recognition” of the “excellent job they do”.
Keep Britain Tidy’s Green Flag Award Scheme Manager, Paul Todd, has called Manchester’s winning greenspaces “vital” for the community.
‘Eyesore’ Northern Quarter car park to be redeveloped as ambitious new neighbourhood
Emily Sergeant
An underused multi-storey car park in the heart of the city centre is set to be sold and redeveloped as an ‘ambitious’ new neighbourhood.
The ‘eyesore’ car park situated in Manchester’s iconic Northern Quarter will be transformed into what Manchester City Council are hoping will become a green and sustainable neighbourhood set to complement the ‘unique and independent’ ethos of the area.
It comes after developers CBRE were appointed by the Council last year to market the Church Street site for disposal, ahead of seeking formal planning permission.
The new scheme will deliver more than 300 new homes – including 60 affordable homes – alongside new commercial opportunities and high-quality public spaces.
A before and proposed after of Church Street Car Park / Credit: Manchester City Council
It’s expected that the development will respect the heritage and architecture of the historic city centre neighbourhood and help to enhance the wider area, all while improving a car park site that has long fallen out of favour.
The new neighbourhood will also feature four new public squares and green spaces, along with opportunities for pedestrianising the surrounding streets as part of the public realm.
As mentioned, commercial space is also part of the plans, as the ground floor of the building will offer a mix of smaller, more affordable units to ensure local independent businesses can access the neighbourhood, alongside units for food and beverage outlets.
“For too long, the Church Street car park has been an eyesore and a barrier to the ongoing success of the Northern Quarter,” commented Cllr Bev Craig, who is the Leader of Manchester City Council.
“We want to bring forward a world-class development that has the potential to completely transform this part of the neighbourhood, together with the newest city centre public squares and green spaces.”
The final legal negotiations will conclude over the summer, and it’s expected that a public consultation will then take place to inform a future planning application.
Featured Image – Manchester City Council
News
‘Major milestone’ as planning permission secured to transform Oldham town centre
Emily Sergeant
Planning permission has been granted for six transformational sites in Oldham town centre, with developers calling it a ‘major milestone’.
This approval marks a key step forward in Muse Places and Oldham Council‘s long-term partnership with a shared ambition to deliver a ‘vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable’ town centre that not only reflects Oldham’s heritage but also meets the needs of the people who live there.
Following ‘extensive consultation’ with the local community earlier this year, where hundreds of people took park and shared valuable feedback to help shape the proposals, a total of 1,619 new homes will be delivered as part of the plans, offering a mix of high-quality, energy-efficient apartments designed for families, older people, and young professionals.
The plans also include social and affordable housing provision too in a bid to help more local people find a home that suits their needs and circumstances.
According to the Council and developers, the approved plans will bring underused sites back into ‘productive’ use and support a ‘cleaner, greener’ future for Oldham, opening the door to new opportunities for local businesses and communities alike.
“This decision marks a key milestone in delivering on our promises for Oldham,” commented Cllr Arooj Shah, who is the Leader of Oldham Council.
Planning permission has been secured to transform Oldham town centre / Credit: Muse Places
“Oldham Council and Muse have a shared, ambitious vision to create a quality place that people genuinely want to spend time in.
“I am thrilled that we can continue moving forward with our plans, delivering high-quality homes, including the provision of social and affordable homes to meet local needs. We will also support local businesses and create opportunities for everyone, as part of a clean, green and sustainable future.
“Together, we are creating a place that we can all be proud of.”
Site investigation works are now complete at the Civic Centre, and works at Prince’s Gate will begin shortly, followed by the former Magistrates’ Court later this year.
With planning consent secured and preparatory works underway, construction at Prince’s Gate is expected to begin this autumn.
Emily Sergeant -
23rd August 2023 
