Major investments at Ancoats Green are underway- marking the final chapter of the regeneration of Ancoats project which began more than 20 years ago.
The Green is set to become the new focal point of the area as part of wider public realm investment in Ancoats.
Coined the ‘green heart’ of the community, the new multifunctional green space will include 1380m2 of new planting, 3650m2 of wildflowers and 290m2 of wetland planting.
The area will also boast a 76% net increase in trees, with a majority of the existing trees set to be retained and any in need of removal due to disease or limited life span will be replaced 2:1.
A diverse variety of trees will be chosen to add colour and interests throughout the seasons.
Supporting wildlife and improving the Green’s biodiversity has been a key consideration throughout the design process- this includes native planting and the introduction of fruit trees.
While granite paving stones removed from Albert Square will be reused at Ancoats Green to both celebrate the city’s history and reduce the development’s carbon footprint.
Leader of the Council, Cllr Bev Craig says: “More and more people are choosing to have families in the city centre and we have an opportunity through this investment to create a new green heart for Ancoats with open grassed spaces and new play park that will allow the community grow and knit around it.”
The multifunctional green space will include new play areas with accessible equipment, open grassed areas, accessible paving and a small event space.
Craig goes on to say: “We are committed to creating more high-quality green spaces for residents and visitors and this project is echoed by green investment across our city.”
Homes England, along with Mobility Hub has committed £28.1m to the overall project, with the remaining £4.7m allocated by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority.
Ross Miller-Green, senior manager – infrastructure grants project management at Homes England, says the project is working to create “the UK’s first ever mobility hub”, as well as “transforming Ancoats into the green heart of the community.”