Planning consent for first phase of Mayfield’s £1.4bn transformation into a world-class urban community at the heart of Manchester

Manchester City Council has today approved plans that will kickstart the £1.4bn regeneration of Mayfield. The transformation of a derelict part of Manchester’s industrial heritage into a distinctive and imaginative mixed-use neighbourhood – centred on the city’s first new public park in more than 100 years – can now get underway.

The decision allows The Mayfield Partnership to start of one of the UK’s largest urban regeneration projects, which includes extensive public space; 319,900 sq ft of world class commercial space across two buildings, The Poulton and The Republic; and a multi-storey car park.

In unanimously supporting the applications, Councillors praised the breadth of the public consultation and outreach to the local community during the process.

Committee member Cllr Jon-Connor Lyons said: “This is a fantastic application for a great amenity and a development that will protect our city’s heritage too. I must praise the consultation - you rarely see young people being involved to such a high level.”

Cllr Mary Watson added: "The addition of the new park - the first for many years in the city - means this is a tremendous day‘’

Reflecting on the result, James Heather of U+I who is leading the Mayfield development says: “The Planning Committee was unanimous in its support for the first phase of Mayfield. We are delighted with this tremendous endorsement of our plans and can’t wait to move forward with this incredible project for the people of Manchester, which of course includes Mayfield Park.

“The result was a real team effort and I would like to thank, in particular, the hundreds of people who took part in consultation events over the last two years and who have helped shape the future of Mayfield.”

The neighbourhood is designed around a new 6.5-acre park, which will be built along the banks of the newly uncovered River Medlock that winds through the heart of the site, and will be overlooked by the two new commercial buildings. These are designed to appeal to a range of occupiers, from scale-ups and innovation companies to larger businesses.

The Poulton, designed by Bennetts Associates, will provide 75,900 sq ft of commercial space and feature a double-height, flexible ground floor that will be open to the public throughout the day and evening for uses that could include wellbeing activities, leisure and co-working.

It is complemented by The Republic, designed by Morris+Company, a 13-storey, 244,000 sq ft flagship office development that includes larger floorplates and landscaped roof terraces.

A 581-space multi-storey car park, equipped with electric vehicle charging points, will be created at the south of site.

The park, new commercial spaces and car park will sit alongside a range of historic buildings, including the landmark former station on Fairfield Street, which are being retained and redeveloped as part of the wider regeneration plans. The vast depot building has already been transformed into a new cultural venue, Depot Mayfield, which contributed to bringing 330,000 visitors to Mayfield in 2019, after more than 30 years of decline.

Work is expected to commence on-site on the park and the buildings this year.

The Mayfield Partnership comprises Manchester City Council, Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM), LCR and regeneration specialist U+I.

Richard Upton, Chief Development Officer at U+I, said: “Mayfield will be one of the UK’s defining urban developments this decade. These plans for the first phase bring together exceptional new workplaces with cultural space, centred on a beautifully landscaped park that will provide a transformative and sustainable public amenity for the people of Manchester long into the future.

“From welcoming tens of thousands of visitors every week at one of the UK’s best new cultural venues – Depot Mayfield – to the range of enterprises that already call Mayfield home, this long-dormant area is already playing an active role in the city’s life once again.

“When work begins this year, we will channel that energy into the soulful regeneration of Mayfield to create an inclusive, diverse, socially and economically productive neighbourhood which will attract businesses, residents and visitors, all drawn by the quality and vibrancy of the environment.

“We are incredibly excited about its future as an imaginative and distinctive place in a globally significant city.”

At 26-acres Mayfield is one of the UK’s largest and most important regeneration opportunities.

Sir Richard Leese, Leader of Manchester City Council, said: "The Mayfield scheme will deliver real improvements and opportunities for Manchester’s people. Not only will it create a significant new city centre green space for people to enjoy – something which was integral to the masterplanning of this development – but it will also deliver thousands of new jobs, transforming an unloved and largely underused part of the city centre into a world-class gateway."

Adam Wisher, North West Regional Director at LCR, said: “Mayfield is the most significant regeneration project of its kind in the North West and already one of the city’s most prominent cultural venues. This marks the next step in the creation of a truly diverse and inclusive urban neighbourhood, with imaginative placemaking at its core.

“It is a prime example of what can be achieved when the public and private sectors come together to combine their skills, assets and expertise. This vibrant new destination will become home to the most exciting, creative people and organisations, and deliver commercial and public value across the region. We’re excited to see our plans take shape in the coming months.”

Mike Mellor, Head of Commercial Services for TfGM, said: “The Mayfield development will deliver a fantastic mix of new homes, offices and leisure destinations for thousands of people in the heart of the city centre, so this decision is great news for Manchester.

“It marks the first phase of a bold and innovative plan, which will breathe new life into the area, and given its sustainable transport links – right next to Piccadilly station and Metrolink – it is easy to access for people both arriving in the city and travelling from around Greater Manchester. That makes it an ideal spot for businesses and leisure destinations to locate themselves.”

Located next to Manchester Piccadilly Station, the majority of the Mayfield site has lain derelict for 30 years.

Over the next 10-15 years The Mayfield Partnership’s £1.4bn vision for Mayfield has the potential to provide 1,500 homes, 1.6m sq ft of office space, a 650-bedroom hotel, and retail and leisure space. It is envisaged Mayfield will create more than 10,000 office, retail, leisure and construction jobs.

Deloitte Real Estate is planning adviser to the Mayfield Partnership. Studio Egret West is the overall masterplanner for Mayfield, landscape architect for Mayfield Park and has also designed the multi-storey car park. Bennetts Associates is designing The Poulton and Morris + Company The Republic.