A public consultation has begun inviting views on major proposals to create a new neighbourhood in one of Manchester city centre’s last significant regeneration sites at Castlefield.

The Strategic Regeneration Framework (SRF) for Water Street was first approved in 2017; the council has now refreshed the document to raise the ambition for the area.

The updated plans, covering land between Trinity Way and the River Medlock, propose hundreds of new homes, a new city-centre park, and measures to showcase the heritage archways that define the location.

A range of housing tenures is envisaged, with a strong proportion of affordable homes, alongside active ground floors for small-scale retail, hospitality and leisure uses.

The park would trace the River Medlock and be designed to be flexible, inclusive and climate-resilient, potentially comparable in size to phase one of Mayfield Park. New buildings would shield the green space from the inner ring road to create a quieter setting.

The SRF refresh also aims to improve movement to and through Water Street, repairing long-standing severed connections and opening up access via nearby viaducts. New walking routes would support active travel, and an elevated link could be created to the Deansgate-Castlefield tram stop via the Bridgewater Viaduct.

The vision seeks to celebrate the area’s industrial character and waterways, with taller buildings framing the site’s edge to complement neighbouring development and the cultural regeneration of the St John’s district.

Residents and stakeholders can take part in the consultation online, where the draft Water Street SRF is available. Responses can also be emailed to city.centre@manchester.gov.uk or sent by post to: City Centre Regeneration Team, PO Box 532, Manchester City Council, Town Hall, M60 2LA. The consultation runs until Monday 25 May 2026.

Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals