TODAY summer 2010
Preserving the history of Manchester’s markets Over the past ten years, Muse has been working to turn a ‘no go’ area of central Manchester into a place where people want to live, work and spend their leisure time. The Smithfield area in Manchester’s Northern Quarter, formerly the site of the city’s most important fish and produce market, had become badly neglected. Through its subsidiary company, Ician Developments, Muse has helped deliver a pioneering and award-winning mixeduse development that has preserved architectural heritage and restored local pride. The project illustrates how the People and Profit elements of sustainability need to be considered alongside Planet in order for urban regeneration to be successful. A central aspect of the project was the need to retain the character and heritage of Smithfield and its listed market buildings. Scattered between are new buildings, including affordable homes,
shops and cafes to the benefit of the whole community. As well as transforming the physical environment, the regeneration of Smithfield has had wider social impacts. It has also helped provide a home for an increasing number of small, independent businesses, offering shoppers a different experience from other shopping areas of central Manchester. Ician also helped establish the Manchester Farmers’ Market, the first city centre Farmers’ Market in the North West, which helps promote healthy eating, local employment and reduce food miles. The project is intended to be financially sustainable in the long term. A partnership approach was used for funding, which is designed to minimise financial risk to Manchester City Council. Smithfield, as a flagship scheme, has been recognised as an important project for reinventing and regenerating the Northern Quarter as a whole.
DELIVERING TODAY FOR TOMORROW Mike Payton, a director of Ician, said: “Smithfield has been transformed beyond all recognition. What was once referred to as an uninviting area is now a place where people want to live, work and invest... The development of the site has been a huge success story and is one that will continue to reap benefits for the local area.” Back in 1999, an inner city mixeduse development was seen as a bit of a radical departure. The many new businesses, residents and visitors that have been attracted to the area in the subsequent years have helped ensure that the Northern Quarter is once again making a major contribution to the Manchester city centre experience. To find out more about how Muse are delivering today for tomorrow by regenerating the Smithfield area of Manchester, visit www.morgansindall-today.com