Plans for the first homes in Manchester’s expanded and enhanced Mayfield Park took a significant step forward yesterday with unanimous approval by the City Council’s Planning Committee.
It comes as Manchester city centre’s population rapidly approaches 100,000 residents, highlighting the increased need for quality green spaces in the city. The approval marks the next chapter of the continued transformation of the Mayfield district near Piccadilly Station, led by Manchester City Council, TfGM, London Continental Railways (LCR), and Landsec.
The approval paves the way for 879 new apartments – one, two, and three-bedroom homes – integrated into Mayfield Park that will become 40% larger with hundreds of trees, new gardens, a park square, and enhanced spaces to play and relax within.
The construction of the first homes will generate over 880 jobs during the construction phase and over 120 full-time jobs when operational. Once occupied, the apartments will contribute £2 million annually in Council Tax and a major £10 million boost to local businesses through increased spending.
Designed by Studio Egret West and shedkm, the high-quality home designs reflect Mayfield’s rich industrial heritage, including distinctive arches inspired by the historic Depot structure across the park.
The intention is that 20% of the first phase of homes are classed as affordable housing. Landsec and Manchester City Council are working through the detail of this commitment to secure grant funding and ensure that the affordable homes provided by the scheme are prioritised for key workers who provide essential services in Manchester.
Henrietta Nowne, Development Director at Landsec, representing The Mayfield Partnership, said: “For the first time, Mancunians will have the ultimate back garden within the award-winning Mayfield Park. An opportunity like this hasn’t existed before in Manchester. Since starting on site earlier this month, there’s real momentum building as we continue to grow a green, healthy and connected district in the heart of Manchester.”
The residences will be set across four distinctive buildings, each featuring low-rise elements and taller blocks to maximise natural light, provide shelter, and seamlessly connect the park into generous communal lobbies. As part of the park extension, the buildings will have restaurants, cafés, health and wellness facilities, and community areas.
A new tree-lined road through the development will enhance walking and cycling connectivity from east Manchester into the city centre.
This announcement follows a recent visit from Cllr Bev Craig, leader of Manchester City Council, to break ground on Mayfield’s first office building, located just next to the first homes.
