Regeneration specialist U+I has bolstered its team in Manchester as it enters the next phase in its transformation of Mayfield, Manchester.
Greg Ball joins as senior development manager after five years at Muse Developments where he was development surveyor.
During his time at Muse, he was responsible for the delivery of its portfolio of large scale mixed-use development projects across the North West including Stockport Exchange.
Before Muse Greg spent eight years as a director at property agent JLL where he worked in the North West office agency team, dealing with disposals, acquisitions and development consultancy.
In his new role Greg will lead on the delivery of the commercial elements of the £1.1bn scheme.
He said: “Being involved with one of the most exciting regeneration projects in the country was too good an opportunity to turn down. I am delighted to be joining a team with an extraordinary vision for large scale regeneration which will change the face of Manchester over the next decade.
“The Mayfield project is a unique chance to be a part of something special. U+I’s plans for the site are grounded in authenticity, using the history of the place to shape the future. It promises to be an exciting journey ahead.”
The Mayfield Partnership, which comprises Manchester council, Transport for Greater Manchester, LCR and U+I, has just concluded a public consultation for the first phase of the development.
Subject to planning approvals, the first phase will see the creation of Mayfield Park- Manchester’s first managed public park in more than 100 years, alongside a 90,000 sq ft, eight-storey office, and a 550-space multi storey car park on Baring Street.
It marks the first planning application for the site, which could provide 1,500 homes, a 650-bedroom hotel, retail and leisure space, along with more than 800,000 sq ft of offices.
If planning consent is secured, it is expected this will be complete in spring 2022.
The partnership has also recently announced plans to create a major new cultural destination at the iconic Mayfield Depot.
Under the plans the vast former railway station and Royal Mail sorting office, which has been used in recent years to stage occasional one-off events, could be converted into a major new 18,000 capacity ‘performing arts and events space’.
It would be used for for the next five years while a wider £1.1bn regeneration of the area takes place.
And many of the events currently held in Albert Square, including the Christmas markets, could relocate to Mayfield after the square is closed during the £330m renovation of the town hall.
Under the plans Mayfield Depot, which stands behind Piccadilly station and has been derelict since 1986, would be split into three areas - the ticket hall which would host food markets, pop-up restaurants and pop-up shops and east and west chambers which would be used for gigs, theatre, film and art exhibitions.
The east and west chambers could also be opened as one for larger concerts.
