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Consultation begins around future plans for the Manchester Fort Shopping Park
Residents, businesses and local organisations are asked to give their views on development proposals for the Manchester Fort Shopping Park in Cheetham Hill which we are providing Planning and Strategic Communications services for.
The consultation, run by Manchester City Council, and supported by our Strategic Communications team, will ask for the public’s opinion on the Manchester Fort 2020s Vision – a draft Development Framework that, once adopted formally, will guide future development of the Manchester Fort Shopping Park.
Manchester Fort opened in 2005 and remains the largest shopping park of its kind in Greater Manchester.
Responding to changes in shopping behaviours over the last fifteen years, the owners of Manchester Fort – Nuveen – are now seeking to revitalise and diversify the offering to ensure the Shopping Park’s longevity as a valuable resource for the communities of north Manchester.
The draft Development Framework outlines plans to create a more diverse experience. This has the potential to include more flexible retail space, expanded food and beverage options, a new cinema, and a hotel.
The site owner also proposes improvements to the public space in and around the Shopping Park making it more useable and inviting for pedestrians.
As a major employer for the area, the redevelopment will also provide additional employment opportunities. Once completed and occupied it’s estimated that the development will support 260 gross, full-time equivalent jobs, over and above those supported by the B&Q and Halfords stores currently trading from the site.
For more information or to sign up to attend an online Q&A session please head to: www.manchesterfort2020svision.co.uk
Take Part: www.manchester.gov.uk/consultations
Alternatively, your response can be sent by email to: manchesterfort@turley.co.uk or by post to:
City Centre Regeneration Team, PO Box 532, Manchester City Council Town Hall, Manchester, M60 2LA
Please include your postcode when responding.
The public consultation will be open from Monday 2 November until Monday 30 November 2020.
Cllr Suzanne Richards, Manchester City Council’s executive member for housing and regeneration, said:
“We know how important Manchester Fort is to the communities of north Manchester, providing an attractive one-stop shopping hub for local people.
“However, fifteen years is a long time in retail, and we welcome the ambition of the owners of the Fort to ensure it remains an important resource into the future.
“I’d urge as many people who live locally or use the Shopping Park often to take part in this consultation. Your opinions are vital to understand what local people are looking for in future development at the site.”
4 November 2020