Community

One of the main aims of the regeneration of Collyhurst is to ensure that local people can access new opportunities, including construction jobs, apprenticeships and training opportunities, or the chance to get involved in environmental or educational projects.

The regeneration is being driven by dedicated individuals, groups and organisations who are committed to making a positive difference within the Collyhurst community. From youth programmes to community and education initiatives, we're here to keep you informed about the positive changes that are shaping the future of Collyhurst.

If you have a community initiative you would like to discuss with us, please do get in touch.

Say hello to Rebecca, Community Liaison Manager at FEC.

Rebecca’s role is to form strong relationships within communities across North Manchester covered by the Victoria North regeneration programme which includes Collyhurst.

Working in partnership with Manchester City Council, local communities and businesses, Rebecca makes sure social commitments are delivered through a range of innovative engagement projects and initiatives with a focus on the local economy, environment and community.

Check out some of our recent activities below.

0161 Project headquarters

The 0161-Project opened its new headquarters on Southchurch Parade in Collyhurst in Autumn 2023. Originating from Collyhurst and Moston Boxing Club, the 0161-Project offers alternative education services to schools and other agencies working with vulnerable young people in Greater Manchester, who are at risk of school exclusion or who have social mental health needs. It uses boxing and other physical activity to develop confidence, discipline, life skills and to help build a positive identity.

The project’s new Collyhurst headquarters will coordinate activities across their four educational sites in North Manchester, supporting the 100 young people enrolled in their programmes. Over the past few years, the 0161-Project has expanded rapidly and now offers a range of services, including group-based training, one-on-one referral sessions, and a post-16 programme as an alternative to mainstream further education.

Ahead of the opening, Collyhurst Phase 1’s main contractor, DEX Construction Group, completed the refurbishment works at the new headquarters.

We know the 0161-Project is such an important part of the North Manchester community and we will continue to support and advocate for the work the project does.

To find out more about the 0161-Project, head to www.the0161project.co.uk.

Collyhurst street naming competition results revealed

In summer 2023, we invited residents to get involved in a competition to name the six new streets being created in Collyhurst Village as part of the first phase of regeneration activity.

With more than 30 people submitting creative suggestions, it was clear that the people of Collyhurst were excited to have the opportunity to leave a lasting legacy on the community. Manchester City Council had the difficult task of selecting the winning names. After careful consideration, the six names were chosen:

Map showing the new street locations and listing the winning street names as follows: Forward Street, Generation Street, Bee Street, Community Street, Connection Street and Prosperity Street

These names truly reflect the sense of positivity in the community about the future and we can’t wait to see the new street signs installed once the development is complete.

Thank you to all those who participated and congratulations to the winners:
Adele Bateman, Hazell Haughie-Thompson, and Alexandra Istudor.

Empowering women for success

In April 2023, members of the FEC team supported the Smartworks Charity by helping them with the launch of their new base in Manchester city centre.

Smartworks play a crucial role in assisting women by providing them with work clothes for interviews, interview skills training, and confidence-building sessions.

Several FEC team members volunteered to help set up the new Manchester base and generously donated seven bags of pre-loved clothing suitable for interviews. FEC also held a charity auction, raising vital funds for the charity’s ongoing work. To find out more about Smartworks, head to www.smartworks.org.uk.

Design team goes back to school

In February 2022, we enlisted Year 6 pupils from St Malachy’s RC and Saviour C of E primary schools to help to design the play spaces within New Collyhurst Park.

Members of the team from Exterior Architecture and FEC visited the schools and delivered a workshop to introduce the pupils to the park design, including all of the environmentally-friendly measures that are being included to promote habitat creation and biodiversity.

The pupils at each school then took charge and designed their own play areas for the park. There were some great suggestions, from ‘super slides’ to mental health gardens. The entries were then judged and a winner and runner up from each school was chosen.

Supporting The Bread & Butter Thing

Over the years, FEC has provided support to The Bread & Butter Thing (TBBT) initiative at Manchester Communications Academy. FEC team members actively volunteer their time to pack food items for TBBT, ensuring that families received essential food and supplies.
Christmas lantern parade at Angel Meadow Park

FEC invited pupils from Saviour C of E and St Malachy’s RC primary schools to take part in the 2022 lantern parade at Angel Meadow Park. The children all took pride in displaying their handmade lanterns along the route. Once they reached the park, they did a walk around showing off all their hard work and enjoyed some festive treats and drinks.
Mock interviews at Manchester Communication Academy

FEC have worked with MCA to provide Year 11 pupils with mock interview practise. Working with the Victoria North supply chain, around 15 volunteers came forward to support the event. The day was set up to support the students to experience what it’s like to have a real interview.