We are thrilled to announce that Manchester City Council’s executive have approved plans to transform Holt Town, central Manchester, into an ambitious climate-resilient, mixed-use neighbourhood.
This transformative project led by Studio Egret West (SEW) and Manchester City Council, will breathe new life into a key brownfield site and deliver significant benefits to the local community.
Deetu led on the strategic engagement and consultation for the draft Neighbourhood Development Framework of the 74-acre site. SEW’s plans for a new mixed-use neighbourhood, including 4,500 homes, were visionary, which meant that the approach to digital storytelling had to be innovative. Deetu designed the online engagement tool to visualise the continuation and advancement of some of the earlier thinking behind the vision, whilst enabling the design philosophies and key character areas to be broken down and easily digested by users.
They heard from over 400 individuals and organisations via the online survey, with 8,000 users visiting the website 10,000 times over the 6-week engagement period. The response was overwhelmingly positive, with 88% of respondents to one survey question saying they agree or strongly agree with the vision statement for Holt Town to become a pioneering mixed-use, residential-led neighbourhood.
Deetu’s engagement work was instrumental in shaping the project’s vision. Through extensive community engagement, they facilitated a meaningful dialogue between local residents, businesses, and stakeholders. This collaborative approach ensured that the community’s aspirations were reflected in the project’s design and delivery.
The approved scheme will create a vibrant, mixed-use neighbourhood that prioritises sustainability, green spaces, and pedestrian-friendly streets. It will provide a diverse range of housing options, including affordable homes, catering to the needs of a wide range of residents.
Bev Craig, Leader of Manchester City Council, expressed her enthusiasm for the project:
“We’re thrilled with the overwhelming response and the visionary proposal that aligns perfectly with our aspiration to create a vibrant new town within our city. The plan for Holt Town is a testament to our commitment to preserving heritage while opening doors to digital innovation, affordable housing, and sustainable features for future generations.”
David West, Founding Director of Studio Egret West, shared:
“We’re inspired by the Council’s vision for Holt Town and are excited to contribute our creative energies to this groundbreaking project, aiming for a co-created and inclusive neighbourhood.”
BWB’s Director of Place, Josh Dickerson, encapsulated the enthusiasm surrounding this milestone:
“The Deetu team is overjoyed knowing they have been at the forefront of one of Manchester’s most pivotal regeneration schemes. Leveraging our extensive engagement experience, through compelling digital storytelling, we have secured the voices of Greater Manchester’s community into the regeneration narrative.”
This project is a testament to Deetu’s commitment to creating thriving communities and delivering exceptional outcomes for clients. We are excited to embark on this journey and contribute to the ongoing regeneration of Holt Town.
Key project features:
- 4,500 new homes, including a mix of apartments and townhouses
- 15 acres of green spaces and public realm.
- Improved pedestrian and cycle routes, including enhanced connectivity to the Ashton Canal towpath
- Improvements to the river and canal settings
- Centralised neighbourhood parking
- Manchester’s only outdoor public lido
- New commercial space, generating 1,500 jobs