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PRIVACY
Economic Development

Strangeways regeneration plans move forward: Manchester and Salford councils seek public opinion

Council chiefs have approved regeneration plans for the area around HMP Manchester, with a view to moving the prison out of its city centre location

An artist's impression of 'Copper Park', which could come to the Strangeways area(Image: Manchester council)

The redevelopment of Strangeways has taken a significant leap forward following the approval of regeneration plans by council leaders.

Earlier this month, Manchester and Salford councils unveiled a strategy for the transformation of the vicinity surrounding HMP Manchester, with aspirations to relocate the prison away from its central urban setting.

Authorities say that the 20-acre site constitutes a substantial obstacle to the area's renewal efforts.

Council leader Bev Craig acknowledged the challenges faced by the area but remained optimistic, stating: "We know this area has challenges... but we also know that there is energy and a community brimming with potential."

For 157 years, the Strangeways' ventilation tower has stood on Bury New Road, serving as a constant symbol of the locale's association with some of the º£½ÇÊÓÆµ's most notorious criminals.

The prison's infamy was heightened by the 1990 riots, which saw inmates seize control of the facility, culminating in a standoff that lasted 25 days. This incident remains the longest and most violent prison riot in British history.

While discussions between local councils and the Ministry of Justice regarding a potential relocation are ongoing, it is understood that construction will continue regardless of the prison's future, as authorities are eager to capitalise on the stability Operation Vulcan has brought to the area.

Cllr Craig said: "We have an opportunity to create a platform for development and investment, enabled by the successful work carried out by Operation Vulcan, to support businesses to grow and prosper in these neighbourhoods - creating thousands of new jobs and support the ongoing growth of our city - alongside a major new public park and new homes, including council, social and genuinely affordable housing."