Manchester and Salford Councils Unveil Ambitious Regeneration Vision for Strangeways and Cambridge

6 March 2025: Manchester City Council and Salford City Council have joined forces to drive forward an ambitious long-term regeneration plan for the Strangeways and Cambridge areas. Spanning 130 hectares on the city’s fringe, the project aims to attract wide-scale investment and development that will reshape the district over the coming decades.

The draft Strategic Regeneration Framework reports will be presented to both councils’ executive and cabinet committees, setting out a comprehensive vision to transform the area. By creating an environment where legitimate businesses can thrive, the SRF will lay the foundation for a dynamic and prosperous community. In addition to fostering business growth, the plans include the creation of a major new urban park, the development of substantial new housing, including much-needed affordable homes and the expansion of commercial and employment opportunities.

The scale of the proposed regeneration is extensive, with estimates suggesting the development could deliver up to 7,000 new homes across seven distinct neighbourhoods. The area will also see an increase of approximately 1.75 million square feet of commercial space, supporting an additional 4,500 jobs and further strengthening the economic prospects of both Manchester and Salford.

Sustainability and environmental resilience are at the heart of the SRF, aligning with Manchester’s target to become a zero-carbon city by 2038. The framework includes measures to mitigate the impact of climate change, particularly flood risks associated with the River Irwell, by integrating green and blue infrastructure into the development strategy. A key feature of this vision is the creation of a large new city centre park, provisionally named Copper Park, which will provide much-needed green space for residents and businesses alike.

The regeneration strategy is rooted in four key priorities. Economic growth is a central focus, with the plan aiming to increase business and employment opportunities to drive prosperity in both Manchester and Salford. Enhancing green and blue infrastructure will ensure the area is more resilient to climate change while creating an attractive urban environment that celebrates the River Irwell. Improving movement and accessibility is another priority, with a ‘people-first’ approach that encourages active travel while balancing the needs of parking, servicing, and deliveries. Finally, heritage and culture will play an essential role in the regeneration process, ensuring that the district’s historic buildings and architectural character are preserved and celebrated as part of its transformation.

In an official press release by Manchester City Council, Leader of the Manchester City Council, Bev Craig said, “This framework is our shared long-term vision, alongside our colleagues in Salford, to deliver a transformation in the Strangeways and Cambridge communities. We have an opportunity to create a platform for development and investment, enabled by the successful work carried out by the Operation Vulcan partnership, to support businesses to grow and prosper in these neighbourhoods - creating thousands of new jobs and support the ongoing growth of our city – alongside a major new public park and new homes, including Council, social and genuinely affordable housing. 

“We know this area has challenges, including the prison that presents a key barrier to the regeneration of the area, but we also know that there is energy and a community brimming with potential. We will deliver huge change in Strangeways in the coming years, working alongside the people who live and work there, and as we move to consultation in the coming weeks, we want to speak to local people and businesses about how we can make this part of the city thrive.”

The Strangeways and Cambridge regeneration project represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to create a more vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable city district. By setting out a clear vision and development strategy, the framework aims to unlock the area’s full potential, attracting investment, fostering community growth, and ensuring a greener and more prosperous future for Manchester and Salford.