New town will be urban regeneration model - council

The council said the development would prioritise active travel over cars

A new "woodland town" made up of 4,500 homes on a large strip of land in East Manchester is expected to be the next model for urban regeneration, the council leader has said.

Holt Town would be made up of disused land and buildings between the city centre and the Etihad Campus.

Manchester City Council leader Bev Craig said the proposal, which councillors will be asked to approve next week, would "finally bridge the gap between the city centre, Sportcity and the Etihad Campus in east Manchester".

It was "a new town within the city", she added.

Manchester City Council said the plans would effectively create "a new town"

Holt Town, which has a tram stop, will regenerate historical mills and warehouse buildings.

The development framework would encourage a social housing, affordable homes, and other properties, alongside office space that could generate up to 1,500 full-time jobs.

Other proposals include a 300-capacity "cultural and community hub" and a new lido, with active travel prioritised over car use throughout the scheme.

About 15-acres of green space and a new river park have also been proposed.

Both Ashton Canal and the River Medlock pass through the area

Craig said the new town would be the next "urban regeneration exemplar" for the city.

A Manchester City Council spokesman said the plans would complement "the emerging commercial offer" in the city centre, and at the nearby Sportcity and, the Etihad Campus.

The plans have come after a public consultation, which the council said showed "strong support".