Press Releases

December 16 2009

West Gorton regeneration plans back on track

A revised masterplan for West Gorton in east Manchester has today been approved by Manchester City Council's Executive.

The regeneration work, phased over 10 years, will be undertaken by New East Manchester together with Manchester City Council, the Homes and Communities Agency and housing association, Guinness Northern Counties.

The area, which is one and a half miles from the city centre and covers 52 hectares (128 acres) will see the development of 1, 000 new homes, a park and a community hub which includes future plans for shops and a health centre.

These proposals include a development of 76 local authority flats on Pottery Lane, more semi-detached homes and a small number of bungalows on Gortonvilla Walk, new allotments and a new car park for Manchester Climbing Centre on Bennett Street.

Eddie Smith, chief executive of New East Manchester said: "The regeneration plans for West Gorton are back on track. Given the present economic conditions, it has been a real challenge to get to this stage, and we know how frustrating this has been for all involved, but thanks to the support from local residents, the City Council, the Homes and Communities Agency and particularly the housing association, Guinness Northern Counties, we are now in a position to deliver much-needed wholescale renewal for West Gorton over the next 10 years which will dramatically improve the lives of the people who live there by creating a safer and more attractive neighbourhood with improved local amenities."

Manchester City Council Executive Member for Neighbourhood Services Councillor Paul Andrews said: Manchester City Council has a long-standing commitment to transforming the West Gorton estate. We have worked hard to overcome the challenges and obstacles posed by the recession which have hindered our progress. And we are now at the point were we have approved a deliverable programme of transformation for the community of West Gorton.
This could not have been achieved without the hard work of the local tenants' and residents' association who have been supported all the way by their local councillors."