New community hub planned in Manchester

A full planning application has been submitted to the Manchester City Council for the construction of a new integrated health and community hub on Garratt Way in Gorton with completion scheduled for Spring 2021.

The new integrated hub will aim to bring together a partnership of public sector organisations in order to concentrate public services into one convenient location that the community can benefit from. The public sector organisations in question will include: Manchester City Council, health and social care partners, and One Manchester, a housing and community service provider.

The Deputy Leader of Manchester City Council, Councillor Nigel Murphy stated: “The hub in Gorton represents a unique opportunity to combine a rich mix of public services under one roof for the first time, allowing local people to access the services they need more easily.

“The hub, combined with other wide-ranging investment, is helping to transform the neighbourhood along with other developments including new affordable housing.”

Vacant properties have been demolished on Garratt Way ahead of construction, which is scheduled to commence in late 2019, while Morgan Sindall has been appointed as the key contractor for the project, with IBI appointed as architects and Curtins as engineering consultants.

Residents in the local area have been invited to comment at a series of local events and can likewise take part in a formal consultation process which is a mandatory part of the planning procedure.

Morgan Sindall Construction and Infrastructure MD for the North, Barry Roberts added: “This is precisely the type of development we have a real passion for delivering. It is an important asset which will touch the lives of many people in the local community.

“We are very pleased to have the opportunity and responsibility to provide these facilities to the people of Gorton and will work with the city council to ensure the project has a positive community benefit during the construction phases.”

The Gorton Library will move to the new community hub, once construction is completed, from its current site which is very near the new facility.

Finally, Anna Bishop, Executive Director of Place at One Manchester, stated: “Working more closely in Gorton with health services, libraries and MAES will ensure we can connect our customers with a full range of opportunities and support services to improve their wellbeing.

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