Manchester City Council has unveiled plans for a transformative urban park at the former Central Retail Park site.

Designed in partnership with landscape architects Planit-IE, the project aims to convert the long-term brownfield site into a vibrant green space in the heart of Manchester, linking Cotton Field Park with Ancoats and New Islington.

The park will feature a tiered design to address the site's varying levels, incorporating accessible pathways, garden-style elements, a central lawn, and a plaza. It will serve as a tranquil retreat in the bustling city and include a play area for children.


The submission follows public consultations held in August and September, with detailed designs now complete. The park will also act as a green buffer along Great Ancoats Street.

The project complements the initial phase of redevelopment at the site, led by the Government Property Agency, to establish a state-of-the-art digital campus for Civil Service departments, supporting around 7,000 jobs. A second phase of development by the Council is planned, with details to follow.