Ancoats Retail Park to Become 'Green Heart' Office Complex Despite Campaigner Opposition
A former retail park in Ancoats, Manchester, is set to be transformed into a large office complex with added green space. Manchester City Council has approved the plans despite ongoing opposition from campaigners who have long fought for the site to become a public park.
The new development, named Ancoats Green, aims to become 'the green heart to the neighbourhood'. It will include a public green space, though campaigners from 'But Trees Not Cars' argue this is 'not enough'. Mark Horgan, a campaigner, has been fighting for years to turn the entire site into a public park. The public consultation received 574 responses, with many supporting increased green space but some wanting the entire area to be a public park.
Concerns were raised about increased air pollution affecting a neighbouring school during and after construction. Councillors recognised the community's desire for more green space and highlighted significant new public realm investments in the area.
Despite campaigner opposition, the development plans were given the greenlight at a council meeting. The new development will bring a public green space to Ancoats, but campaigners continue to push for the entire site to be turned into a public park. Manchester City Council previously lost a legal battle to turn the site into a care park.
