Press Releases

September 26 2008

Proposals invited for land at Sportcity in east Manchester

Urban regeneration company, New East Manchester (NEM) together with Manchester City Council is seeking a development partner for the 38 acre former proposed regional casino site at Sportcity in east Manchester.

Interested parties will be invited to submit proposals for a major leisure development on the land next to the City of Manchester Stadium, home to Manchester City Football Club. This will add to the Sportcity complex which boasts the largest collection of world-class sports facilities in the UK.

Sir Richard Leese, Leader of Manchester City Council said: “This currently vacant site offers the opportunity to develop a visitor attraction that will be both nationally and internationally significant in a prime location just 1.5 miles east of the city centre. We are looking for proposals that would generate around 3 million additional visitors to Sportcity each year. It is also important that the proposals show the intention to deliver the highest standards of architecture, design and public realm to create a high quality environment that will complement and enhance existing facilities on the site.”

Eddie Smith, Chief Executive of New East Manchester Ltd said: “This high profile piece of land is at the heart of one of the most important regeneration areas in the UK. This is a unique opportunity to create a world class tourist attraction in east Manchester and we look forward to receiving some very ambitious and creative proposals from prospective developers who share our vision for the future of Sportcity and the east Manchester area as a whole.”

Steven Broomhead, Chief Executive of the Northwest Regional Development Agency, said: “This site offers significant potential to create a high quality leisure development that will complement and enhance the world class facilities of Sportcity, creating new tourism and jobs opportunities and supporting the continued regeneration of East Manchester.”

Paul Spooner, Regional Director for national regeneration agency English Partnerships said: “With support through Government backing, English Partnerships is delighted to be working with the partners on this exciting and important opportunity.”

The area has already benefited from major environmental improvements, as well as creating employment and other opportunities for local people. Nearby attractions include the 31 acre Philips Park, recently awarded Green Flag status; and a development of 350 canalside apartments and family homes by Countryside Properties.

The development partner will be expected to finance the project, which will require an investment in the region of £300 million, as well as carry out the works.

Please contact Richard Bannister on 0161 223 1155 or email bannister@pierreangulaire.co.uk for more information.

Proposals must be submitted by early 2009 and the successful development partner will be announced later in 2009.

For further information on New East Manchester visit www.neweastmanchester.com.

For further media information contact Clare Mount at Manchester City Council Press Office on 0161 234 4223.