Green vision revealed for Manchester's £750m Circle Square scheme

The green vision for Circle Square, Manchester’s newest city centre neighbourhood, has been revealed.

Landscaping plans for the development feature public realm and green space with lawns, gardens and river parks, in addition to more than 1,000 new flowers, plants, trees and shrubs.

The scheme, from office space provider Bruntwood and property investment firm Select Property Group, will comprise three ‘character’ areas designed to create a rich and diverse environment for those living, working and socialising within the neighbourhood.

The first area will be a grassed zone framed with trees and featuring pocket gardens, along with a low-rise pavilion to be used for hosting events. The space will be surrounded by cafés, bars, restaurants and shops.

Along the River Medlock, meanwhile, a new riverside park will feature paths and spaces to reconnect the Medlock with this part of the city.

Lastly, the vision includes a green street near the river featuring trees, shrubs, gardens, outdoor seating areas and independent shops and restaurants.

Landscape architecture firm Planit-IE, which has offices in Altrincham and London, is helping the firms behind Circle Square to bring make their green vision for the development a reality.

Ed Lister, managing partner at Planit-IE, said: “From the very start, the JV partners behind Circle Square had a clear vision of what it wanted to be – diverse, innovative and extraordinary.

“Our role throughout the design process has been to capture this ambition and create a canvas capable of hosting and framing the memories of residents, workers and visitors for years to come.”

He continued: “The creation of a generous green space at the heart of the development and new riverside park will help to define the neighbourhood, whilst also making a significant contribution to Manchester’s wider green infrastructure.”

Commenting on the plans, Paula Brockwell, the lead psychologist and head of client delivery at Manchester Science Park-based business wellbeing firm Robertson Cooper, said: “It is widely recognised that there is a direct correlation between a person’s living and working environment to their health, happiness and overall wellbeing.

“We have carried out various research which show that by integrating green spaces and natural elements, it can significantly impact on energy levels, productivity and creativity so it is fantastic to hear this is happening in Manchester at Circle Square.”

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