Ancoats officially has a brand new, risen from the dead, green space. Ancoats Green has reopened to the public following a major refurbishment project, creating a playground, open green space and accessible fun for all.
The Ancoats Green investment is part of a wider £40m public realm programme creating a new focal point for the neighbourhood alongside further public space that seamlessly links the newly opened Ancoats Mobility Hub and the Council’s first This City housing development at No. 1 Ancoats Green. The public realm projects are also helping to unlock 1,500 new homes – including more than 500 under construction by Manchester Life.
The renewed park space includes high quality multi-functional open spaces for the community, new play areas with accessible equipment, open grassed areas, generous footpaths and space for small events. New walking and cycling routes connecting the park to the wider city centre encourage active travel, along with significant new planting and increased biodiversity – including wildflower areas and new trees.
The project has looked to celebrate the industrial heritage of the area, including referencing historic flint glass works in the park features. And sustainability is a key element – using reclaimed materials where possible and creating permeable surfaces to manage water alongside a Sustainable Urban Drainage System (SUDs).
Upcycled materials from both the Our Town Hall and Albert Square project and walling stone from the former Prussia Canal arm that once ran through the park have successfully been re-used throughout the park. Reclaimed granite setts have also been incorporated into the spaces, while salvaged building stone has been used for seating areas across the park.
Ancoats Green transformation in numbers:
- 1.06ha renewed park space
- 2823m2 of wildflower meadow planting
- 420m2 of new planted areas
- 63% net increase in trees – any trees removed (either due to disease or those with a limited life span) have been replaced 2:1
- Highly sustainable design with many of new surfaces made from reclaimed materials to create a permeable drainage system.
Leader of the Council Bev Craig said: “We’re on a mission to invest more in our parks and green spaces. With over 150 parks and green spaces in Manchester, Ancoats Green is the latest park in our city centre to be created or refurbished to make sure our residents have access to brilliant green spaces.
“The Green will be the heart of this community, a place local people can take pride in, spend time with family and friends, and find a respite from the bustle of the city – all in a low traffic, sustainable neighbourhood.”
The Green, alongside the now open Ancoats Mobility Hub, is helping to underpin the development of 1,500 new homes in this part of the city centre, including the Council’s first This City development at No. 1 Ancoats Green where the first homes are expected to be completed this summer – including 30% affordable housing capped at the Manchester Living Rent.
📍 Visit Ancoats Green at Wadeford Cl, Manchester M4 6LP.