Public Realm

We have developed a Public Realm Masterplan, which will be delivered over a number of phases and reshape the public areas at the centre of our campus.

The first phase of our Public Realm Masterplan is close to completion and the transformed space at the centre of our campus will be a vibrant safer space for the community.

The Public Realm Masterplan will transform the campus outside spaces, benefiting our students, colleagues and the wider local community by prioritising pedestrians and cyclists.

Works to deliver the first phase started in June 2023 with experienced contractor Casey delivering the project, due to be completed in Spring 2024.

All Saints Park is currently closed and is due to reopen in the Spring 2024.

Layout of All Saint park within the campus — Area for Phase 1 of 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.

Illustration of All Saints park — Phase 1a – All Saints Park, Lower Ormond Street and Cavendish Street

Piles of rubble along the exterior park wall along Grosvenor street — Crushed concrete from Lower Ormond street has been removed and crushed to produce reusable aggregates

Stacked flag stones in the centre of All Saints Park — Old Yorkstone flags have been cleaned and stored for reuse within the central park feature.

Granite paving laid along the wall of All Saints park — First section of granite paving laid along Lower Ormond Street

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 