Ten years of New East Manchester

Regeneration scheme New East Manchester is ten years old in 2010 and the fast pace of change looks set to continue, despite the recession. Work will begin on four flagship projects this year, and more investment has been promised.

“This year is set to be our most exciting yet, with major announcements about significant investment opportunities at Sportcity and Central Park likely.”

In 2010, work will start on a £24m indoor BMX arena next to the Velodrome at Sportcity, a £20m bakery for Fine Lady Bakeries in Newton Heath, a £4.4m public realm works in New Islington, and a £10m community hub in Miles Platting that will contain a library, health services, shops and a housing office.

Eddie Smith, chief executive of New East Manchester, said: “Despite some of the most challenging economic conditions, New East Manchester has continued to maintain the momentum that it has built up over the last ten years in bringing investment and new job opportunities to east Manchester.

“We are on a 30-year journey and we have made great strides in the first ten years. This year is set to be our most exciting yet, with major announcements about significant investment opportunities at Sportcity and Central Park likely.”

Beswick before the regeneration

Beswick after the regeneration (even the weather has improved)

In 2009 several major projects got off the ground including the £31.5m East Manchester Academy (incorporating a district library), two new Metrolink lines, a Morrisons store (part of a £40m district centre for Openshaw that will eventually create 750 new jobs), the first phase of the £17m Sharp Project (a creative industries hub which will create up to 565 jobs) and a £63m headquarters for Greater Manchester Police in Newton Heath. Work has been completed on a £16m Greggs bakery, securing 220 jobs. And 500 new homes have been built in the area.