Press Releases

November 19 2007

Million pound make-over for Newton Heath district centre

Proposed regeneration plans for the district centre in Newton Heath in east Manchester will be unveiled at a series of consultation events for local residents and businesses.

On 28 November a drop-in event for Old Church Street retailers will be held from 5.30pm - 7.30pm at Old Church Street Working Men's Club where they will have the opportunity to see the proposals and give their comments.

The following week two more sessions will be held at Newton Heath Library for anyone interested in the plans. The first is on 4 December from 11am -1pm and 2pm-4.30pm and the second on 5 December from 3pm - 7pm.

The million pound make-over for the area will be undertaken by New East Manchester and funded by the North West Regional Development Agency. It includes major improvement to Old Church Street including re-laying the road, new paving and street furniture such as benches and the provision of well-lit car parks to the rear of the shops. In addition access to the canal will be improved as well as views of the canal from the bridge by replacing high walls with fencing.

Eddie Smith, deputy chief executive of New East Manchester said: "The plans are still at a very early stage and we are keen to get local people's views on the overall designs and the styles of certain elements such as street furniture before we start work on the detail. The population of the area is increasing with 550 new homes in various stages of planning and construction. The enhanced high street will serve the local community better as well as attracting new residents to use the area."

Subject to planning approval, the improvements are scheduled for completion by the end of 2008.