The transformation of Mayfield into a lively, mixed-use neighbourhood has taken a major step forward as the Mayfield Partnership secures planning approval for 879 high-quality homes in the first phase of residential development.
This marks a key milestone in unlocking 1,700 new homes across the Mayfield masterplan, and providing more green space in a previously neglected part of the city. The homes will be part of a major extension to Mayfield Park, which will increase in size by 40%, integrating the buildings into the expanded green space.
Alongside the new homes, the mixed-use development will include over 36,000 sq ft of commercial space comprising shops, restaurants, cafés, a health and wellbeing club, and community spaces at ground level.
Designed jointly by shedkm and Studio Egret West, the four residential blocks are linked in pairs, each comprising a low-rise element and a taller tower. Across the buildings, rooftop terraces, balconies, podium gardens, communal lounges and coworking spaces will give future residents access to private and semi-private areas overlooking the lush public park at the heart of the neighbourhood.
In between the new buildings, a new park square, rain garden and tranquil rock garden will introduce planting and greenery with distinct character from the existing park. Evergreen species and shrub planting will ensure year-round greenery, while a meandering path and scattered boulders will connect the spaces and provide shaded areas to sit and rest.
Helen MacNeil, Consultant Architect at shedkm, said: “It’s a rare privilege to create homes in the heart of a world-class park, in a world-class city. Human-scale park-front buildings and bold, city-scale towers. We’ve taken the raw, monumental power of the iconic Mayfield arches and turned it into a neighbourhood with grit, edge, and serious style.”
Hazel Rounding, Managing Director at shedkm, said: “After decades of practising in Manchester and the wider region, the opportunity to contribute to the collaborative journey of Mayfield has timed perfectly with the opening of our permanent studio in this great city. The Planning milestone is a significant moment in our quest to provide quality homes with our long term client Landsec and collaborators Studio Egret West. We’re extremely proud and privileged to bring forward a bold shedkm design – evolved from references within the historically industrial site and the exceptional award winning park; addressing townscape in tandem with the intimacy of a very human scale neighbourhood.”
Henrietta Nowne, Development Director at Landsec, said: “This is a significant moment for the future of Mayfield and for Manchester. Mayfield residents will have the ultimate back garden in an award-winning park, as part of a shared vision to create a vibrant, inclusive and sustainable new neighbourhood in the heart of the city. Bringing new homes to Manchester is not only vital to meeting the city’s growing housing needs, but also to ensuring that Mayfield continues to evolve as a place where people can live, work and thrive.”