Public Realm
Manchester Metropolitan University is committed to creating a truly modern campus in the heart of Manchester.
Information about the public realm masterplan
Benefits of the project
The project will boost biodiversity and open up the area around All Saints Park. Once completed, both pedestrians and cyclists will be prioritised on both Lower Ormond Street and Cavendish Street. Vehicle use on both streets will be reduced to a minimum, with access for University vehicles and St. Augustine’s church only.
As part of the project, new trees and wildflower areas will be planted, creating a greener, more biodiverse space for everyone to enjoy. Highlights include:
- new trees and creation of more biodiverse habitats
- increased seating and outdoor workspaces
- a safer, more secure and well-lit public realm day and night
- a walkable inclusive and easy to navigate campus
- encouragement of active travel, such as walking, running and cycling
Since the start of the project Casey have hosted various student groups on site to give them hands on experience. This included students from Project Management, Landscape Architecture and a trainee Quantity surveyor placement. Throughout the project, Casey have supported the donation of planters from across the campus to Brotherhood Peace Garden in Moss Side that will be used to grow food to donate to the local community.
What can I expect to see happening?
In the following weeks, parts of the development will be completed and the boundaries of the site will change to enable the team to complete the final sections. The hoarding around the Grosvenor building has been moved back creating a temporary pedestrian and cycle route, next to the park, along Cavendish Street.
Casey will continue to manage traffic, pedestrian and cycle movement to ensure the safety of everyone passing through the site.
Fifteen new trees have been planted along Lower Ormond Street, Cavendish Street and within the park, selected for their ability to thrive in cities, withstand climate changes and support local wildlife.
Inside the park
- Wildflower meadows have been laid throughout the park, containing over 30 species of flowering plants.
- New furniture within the park is beginning to be installed
- Railings around the park have been painted
- The old York stone flags have been cleaned and reused within the central park feature. Other hard paving materials that have been excavated have been crushed to produce recycled aggregates which has been incorporated into the finished project
Cavendish Street and Lower Ormond Street
- New paving has been laid along both Cavendish and Lower Ormond Street
- Casey aim to ensure the cycle route on Cavendish Street can remain active along with fully accessible pedestrian routes on both Cavendish Street and Lower Ormond Street
Our commitment to our community and neighbours
We recognise that the project may have an impact on all users of the space and our closest neighbours. We will work with our contractor Casey to ensure that the impact of the works is minimized as much as possible.
Casey’s small tools all have dust suppression equipment and cutting of granite will be carried out in an acoustic cutting tent, to reduce noise and dust.
Casey will only carry out noisy construction works during Manchester City Council’s permitted normal working hours:
Monday – Friday, 7:30am to 6:00pm
Saturdays, 8:30am to 2:00pm
Get in touch
If you have any questions or comments about the works, please contact:
Liz Berry, Customer Liaison Officer, The Casey Group Ltd., Liz.Berry@casey.co.uk
Josie Sykes, Community Engagement Manager, Manchester Metropolitan University, community@mmu.ac.uk