Connecting South Collyhurst
The proposed vision re-imagines South Collyhurst in Manchester by challenging suburbia, thus offering a pedestrian-centric and socially engaging neighbourhood for a diverse social body. The masterplan proposal addresses social isolation, the city’s housing shortage, and local characteristics, embracing key values of connectivity, diversity, and distinctiveness.
By challenging suburban assumptions, the vision proposes a car-free, pedestrian-friendly network of shared open spaces, featuring safe walking routes through distinct character areas. These spaces aim to meet residents’ desire for opportunities to socialize, benefiting both South Collyhurst and nearby neighbourhoods. By offering a flexible array of shared spaces — such as seasonal pavilions, permanent pavilions, and a community centre — the proposal encourages social engagement and the celebration of interest groups, ensuring the adaptability of these spaces for current and future residents. Through increased density and a mixed-use program, the proposal envisions a social system where a diverse population is welcomed to interact, prioritising access to community spaces and services for elderly residents and those living alone. By inviting new residents and families with children through a phased development approach, the risk of social cohesion of current and future residents is managed. By adopting a multi-scalar design code strategy in the masterplan — incorporating a network of shared open spaces and proposing diverse dwelling typologies — the suburb of South Collyhurst is reimagined.
The vision thus proposes suburbia that promotes social interaction among a diverse community and celebrates both physical and social identities, creating a distinct sense of place for this neighbourhood in Manchester.
