
Holt Town is a major regeneration opportunity to develop a new mixed use neighbourhood, highly sustainable with thousands of new homes of different types and tenures – from family housing through to age friendly and key worker apartments – incorporating high quality green spaces surrounding a 1km play street spine, provision of new local services, cultural opportunities, and significant affordable workspace.
Situated along the Medlock Valley between the bustling areas of Ancoats and New Islington and the dynamic zones of Sportcity and the Etihad Campus, investment in Holt Town will unlock a missing link.

Holt Town is set to become a pioneering low-carbon neighbourhood, bringing together modern living, sustainability, and community inclusivity. This ambitious development will feature approximately 4,500 homes, ranging from low-rise townhouses to taller residential buildings, catering to a diverse urban population.
Inclusive Housing for All
At least 20% of Holt Town’s homes will be designated as affordable, offering options such as social housing, council homes, and genuinely affordable housing. This commitment ensures a vibrant and inclusive community, welcoming residents across various income levels.
Green Spaces and Sustainability
The neighbourhood will boast 15 acres of green spaces, including enhancements to river and canal settings and a new “Confluence Park.” Sustainable urban drainage systems and ecological improvements will complement this commitment to environmental stewardship, offering residents serene outdoor spaces for leisure and connection to nature.

Pedestrian and Cycle-Friendly Design
Holt Town’s urban layout prioritises pedestrians and cyclists, featuring public amenity spaces and a 1km pedestrian play link connecting St Anne’s School to Park View Community School in Miles Platting. This design fosters a sense of safety, accessibility, and community interaction.

Social and Cultural Infrastructure
To support the growing population, Holt Town will include neighbourhood services such as health facilities and retail outlets. Additionally, leisure and cultural attractions like a Cultural Hub and a Lido (outdoor swimming pool) will enrich the area’s appeal and provide spaces for recreation and creativity.
A Thriving Mixed-Use Hub
Holt Town will seamlessly blend residential and commercial spaces, with 30,000 square feet dedicated to commercial use. Ground-floor retail, live/work units, and smaller office spaces will create a dynamic and versatile environment for businesses and residents alike.

Centralised Mobility Solutions
The innovative “Mobility Mill” will house centralised parking facilities wrapped with affordable workspaces and neighbourhood services. This approach reduces street congestion and promotes efficient land use while maintaining accessibility.
A Smart, Digitally Enabled Community
Holt Town aims to become a digitally enabled neighbourhood, integrating smart infrastructure to support local digital solutions and services. This forward-thinking approach will enhance convenience, connectivity, and the quality of life for all residents.
Holt Town promises to be a model of sustainable urban development, blending innovation, community, and environmental care to create a neighbourhood that future generations will be proud to call home.
Consultation with local people and businesses was undertaken between August and September 2024, including online options and in-person events – as well as workshops with local school pupils from St Anne’s RC primary to develop play space ideas for the community.

The engagement opportunities attracted 10,000 website visits and 411 formal responses showing strong support for the vision of a mixed-used residential led neighbourhood outlined in the draft Neighbourhood Development Framework (NDF).
Following adoption of the draft Neighbourhood Development Framework the Council will now move to the delivery phase to create a green new town within the city of Manchester – representing one of the most exciting and ambitious programmes of investment in the region.
Work is already underway on a phasing plan for investment with a view to levering both public sector funding and private investment. A future paper to the Council’s executive will be submitted outlining the delivery approach.
The Neighbourhood Development Framework (NDF) has been produced by a multi-disciplinary team led by Studio Egret West that will help guide investment in the Holt Town area over the next decade.
Images: Studio Egret West – Courtesy of Manchester City Council