Press Releases

June 04 2008

Chancellor sees NEM transformation

He saw the redundant old Waulk Mill and Royal Mill in Ancoats that have been transformed into desirable apartments and commercial space, retaining their historic character.

Then as part of a walk round the area, he saw the new Cotton Field eco park at New Islington, Manchester’s Millennium Community where thousands of appealing modern homes for sale will be built around an attractive lake where worn out old housing once stood.  Nearby he saw the bright modern rented homes that have replaced the demolished old terrace houses.

The Chancellor also called into the new £6.5 million Ancoats Clinic, a state-of-the-art centre providing health and social care services for New Islington residents and for those living in Ancoats and the surrounding area.

During his walk, the Chancellor was told about a range of other regeneration projects such as the prestigious business park at Central Park, which is home to hi-tech businesses and workspace for new and growing businesses, and the success of Sportcity, with its venues for major international sporting events and first class training facilities shared by top sportspeople and the local community.

Robert Hough, chairman of New East Manchester, said: "The Chancellor was very impressed by the transformational and comprehensive nature of the regeneration projects that he saw, embracing structural, social, economic, environmental and educational improvements.

"He was also impressed by the design of the new buildings, especially the new homes at New Islington, which he thought were very appealing and would stand the test of time most attractively."