New plans have been revealed to help Manchester maximise the huge potential from HS2 and Northern Powerhouse Rail – which is set to be a huge focus of the HS2 Economic Growth Conference supported by HS2 Ltd. The revised Manchester Piccadilly Framework Agreement ensures the area around the station will be transformed into a thriving and welcoming gateway into the city of Manchester in a bid to unlock economic growth opportunities and drive employment in the area.

The document was last updated back in 2014, and since then there have been a number of key announcements and movement on both HS2 and Northern Powerhouse Rail – with the arrival of them both moving forward and the realisation of their impact becoming more realistic. With their arrival means a re-look at the plans which have seen the city aim for an ambitious vision to continue building the economic growth story of Manchester and the wider North West region.

One of the highlights within the plans is the ambition to ensure it provides an incredible arrival experience and gateway to the City – with multiple entry points and a new main entrance being developed to increase the scale and size of the station. It would enable to option for retail space within the station and a new roof structure would create a fantastic and stylish look providing natural light to bring the station to life. A ‘dramatic’ boulevard would provide improved connectivity around the station – connecting a civic arrival space, a public square where Metrolink exits and a city park at the eastern part of the station.

Transport for Greater Manchester, who’re an invited guest to the HS2 Economic Growth Conference, are backing the plans.

HS2 Ltd’s response recognised the key design principles for Piccadilly Station within the SRF, but did not comment on the design quality, only on functional requirements. It stated that the station included in the SRF “represents a significant change in the station configuration, compared to HS2’s current design, which would require significant redesign to meet HS2 requirements”. The company also highlighted a number of further areas where the SRF differed from its current proposals, including the location of the car park, the position of the Metrolink station below the HS2 station, the level differences from the new station entrance plaza, and the links between the HS2 and existing station decks.

One of the key changes is including 62 Chapeltown Street as a development plot, rather than be omitted from project as it had been previously. However, given the proximity of the grade II-listed Crusader Works, the council has noted that any such work would need to be carefully designed.

“The Manchester Piccadilly SRF presents a significant opportunity to regenerate a currently underutilised site, to provide a new mixed-use neighbourhood, in a highly accessible location bringing new jobs, commercial and amenity space, and connections to surrounding areas,” read the report. “It is a once-in-a- century opportunity to create a world-class transport hub and arrival point into the city, city region and the North.

“The majority of consultation responses provided were supportive of the proposals included in the draft 2018 SRF, with some issues raised as reported throughout this report. A response to the issues has been provided and some changes are proposed to the SRF in accordance with some of the specific points raised.

“Further consultation with both local stakeholders and residents will take place as more detailed plans are developed.”

Manchester City Council’s Economy Scrutiny Committee has been advised that the Executive will be recommended to approve the revised Manchester Piccadilly SRF.

The HS2 Economic Growth Conference in November is set to bring HS2 together with Manchester’s civic and business leaders as over 500 delegates attend to hear exclusive insights and developments set to be unlocked by HS2 and how you can get involved. It’s a must-attend!