social enterprise

This article is provided courtesy of the news feed at http://www.newstartmag.co.uk/news

A local authority, an urban regeneration company and a football club have formed a joint development board in a bid to deliver lasting economic and community growth in east Manchester.

Manchester Council, New East Manchester (NEM) and Manchester City FC signed the formal agreement to collaborate on a transformation plan for the area around the City of Manchester stadium.

The combined interests of land held by the three parties represents approximately 80ha, including the existing Sportcity campus.

In the short term, the board aims to improve the area around the Sportcity site, including better space for fans during football events and providing year-round activities for residents and visitors on non-match days.

In the medium to long term, the three organisations want to create a ‘nationally significant destination’.

Local employment and suppliers will be involved and all parties have signed up to supporting Manchester’s low carbon city ambitions for any future development plans.

NEM chair Simon Bate described the agreement as ‘truly pivotal’ for the area.

‘It will gives us the chance to restore economic dynamism to east Manchester, enabling businesses, local residents and football supporters alike to benefit from future investment,’ he said.