New Islington is located in Manchester, close to the city centre. It lies within the borough of Ancoats, on the Ashton Canal. Historically part of Manchester’s industrial heartland, it became one of the most deprived areas in the city during the late 20th century following deindustrialisation.

Why was regeneration needed?

Before regeneration, New Islington was known as the Cardroom Estate, a 1960s council housing development that had:

• High levels of deprivation - high unemployment, crime, and poor health statistics

• Derelict and poor-quality housing - many properties were in disrepair, with damp and poor insulation

• Anti-social behaviour and crime - the estate had a bad reputation for gang violence and drug use

• Urban decay - the neighbourhoods were very run-down and green space was neglected or non-existent.

The area was viewed as a symbol of urban decline, with many residents feeling unsafe and isolated from other parts of the city.

Features of the regeneration

New Islington was designated one of seven Millennium Communities by the UK government in 2000 - these were an initiative launched in the late 1990s to promote sustainable urban living and showcase innovative approaches to housing and community development. Designation as a Millennium Community brought in Urban Splash (a developer) and funding from English Partnerships. The regeneration included:

Housing

• Modern, sustainable homes in award-winning housing developments like Chips and The Guts (both pictured below)

• Mixed-tenure, including social housing, affordable homes, and privately owned properties

• Replacement of old council blocks with energy-efficient, attractive buildings

Transport and infrastructure

• New Metrolink stop at New Islington (opened in 2013) connecting it to the wider city

• Upgraded roads, cycle paths, and pedestrian areas

Environment

• Revitalisation of the Ashton Canal and construction of Cotton Field Park, with a marina and green space

• Waterways cleaned and integrated into the landscape to promote biodiversity and recreation

Community and facilities

• Islington Free School - a 420-capacity primary school founded through a collaboration between Manchester City Council and The Manchester Grammar School with a strong emphasis on community engagement and social responsibility - renamed Co-op Academy New Islington in 2022

• New health centre, community hub, retail units, and cafés

• Strong focus on public consultation – residents had input into the design

New Islington today

Today, New Islington is one of Manchester’s most desirable neighbourhoods, particularly for young professionals who are attracted by the mix of modern apartments and houses in a vibrant, well-designed setting with riverside views, such as Cottonfields Marina (pictured below).

It is home to start-ups, creative businesses, and independent retailers, including:

• Colony Fabrica - a 24,000 sq ft workspace that hosts businesses in media, tech, and design
• Electric Park - a £57 million sustainable campus featuring modern workspaces and public green spaces,

Both of these contribute to the area's dynamic atmosphere and encourage further investment.

Has regeneration been a success?

The regeneration of New Islington has gained national attention, with The Sunday Times naming it one of the best places to live in the UK, and the area's transformation is often cited as a model for urban regeneration - its high design quality and innovation has won multiple architecture and regeneration awards. In addition, the environment has been transformed through the use of sustainable buildings, the development of green spaces, and the restoration of Ashton Canal (pictured below).

The regeneration has resulted in an economic uplift of the area with increased investment, rising property values, and local business growth. The area has also seen a fall in crime rates, and the perception of public safety has improved.

However, whilst the economic and environmental impacts have been very positive, there are concerns around social sustainability, particularly in terms of inclusivity and long-term affordability. The resulting gentrification has led to some long-term residents feeling marginalised by the influx of new, more affluent inhabitants, which has loss some of the original community feel. Some residents have been priced out of the area as rents have increased, and there was less affordable housing than hoped, and reduced social housing compared to the original estate.