Planning application submitted for first phase of Mayfield

The £1.4bn transformation of Mayfield into a vibrant, mixed-use neighbourhood in the heart of Manchester has taken a significant step forward with the submission of a planning application for the first phase of development at the site.

The application includes the creation of Mayfield Park - the city centre’s first new park in more than 100 years, which will be created on the banks of the River Medlock running through the heart of the 30-acre regeneration scheme. The first phase of development also includes a high quality, nine-storey, 70,000 sq ft office building overlooking the new park, and a 543-space multi-storey car park on the Baring Street site, with a separate application for a larger flagship 13-storey office building expected to be made this autumn.

Richard Upton, Chief Development Officer at U+I, said:

“The last three years of consultation, planning and opening up Mayfield to a variety of community uses and major events has re-introduced Mancunians to a forgotten corner of the city with huge social and economic potential. Submitting our first formal planning application is an important moment in realising that potential and we are excited that our vision for a world class neighbourhood for businesses, residents and visitors is taking shape.

“We have been delighted by the overwhelming positivity response to our recent public consultation on Mayfield Park and look forward to starting work on this amazing new amenity for the people of Manchester."

Sir Richard Leese, Leader of Manchester City Council, added:

"These plans have the potential to transform an unloved and largely unused part of the city centre into a world-class gateway area creating thousands of new jobs and housing to support our growing city.

“The addition of a significant new city centre park, just a stone's throw away from Piccadilly Station, is a particularly welcome development and shows how such green spaces can be created through the masterplanning of wider areas."

Widely regarded as one of the most important regeneration projects in the UK, Mayfield is rich in industrial heritage and benefits from incredible scale and brilliant connectivity, but the majority of the site has been under-utilised for 30 years. Our vision is to create a £1.4bn mixed-use community over the next 10 to 15 years that will transform a long-forgotten part of the city. It includes the 6.5-acre park, world-class office space, homes and leisure facilities, alongside further extensive public spaces.

The regeneration of Mayfield will also create 1,500 homes, 75,000 sq m of office space, a 650-bedroom hotel, retail and leisure space, and it is envisaged that the project will create more than 7,500 office, retail, leisure and construction jobs.

Adrian Lee, Development Director at LCR, said:

“Mayfield is fast becoming one of the city’s most prominent cultural venues, attracting an array of enterprising and creative individuals and businesses. This application is enabling the creation of a distinctive new urban neighbourhood, with imaginative placemaking at its core – bringing together public and private partners to ensure that the area will continue to be vibrant as well as economically resilient for years to come.”

Mike Mellor, Head of Commercial Services for TfGM added:

“Transport is at the heart of Mayfield, through its heritage and now into its future. This planning application will deliver the first phase of a scheme that will create new homes and jobs close to tram, train and bus services, and we’re excited that transport is fundamental to this new city-centre neighbourhood.”

Subject to planning consent, work will commence on the Mayfield development early in 2020. Watch this space.