Network Space Developments (NSD) has gifted a Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA) to Manchester City Council after the outdoor games kit was acquired as part of the former Manchester College site on Welcomb Street.
The Openshaw site comprises of eight buildings of varying sizes which were previously used as classrooms and workshops by the Manchester School of Building. The MUGA, which was in excellent condition and worth circa £40,000, was located externally in the centre of the site for the use of the college students.
With plans underway to redevelop the site to deliver a new circa 70,000 sq. ft multi-let industrial estate, the high-spec MUGA was no longer required and was offered to Manchester City Council’s Parks team which readily agreed to take the equipment. NSD also agreed to cover the removal, cleaning and installation costs at its new home at Fog Lane Park.
Fog Lane Park, East Didsbury is one of Manchester’s first public parks and is well used by the local community and beyond. In addition to the new MUGA the park offers an existing MUGA, children’s play area, tennis courts, bowling greens and football pitches.
Joe Burnett, Development Director for Network Space Developments, said: “As part of our sustainability agenda, we are actively looking at opportunities to re-cycle and reuse elements from all our developments. Often this can mean the reuse of existing buildings’ structural frames and floor slabs but also softer elements too. This initiative represented a great opportunity to deliver a big impact through a small gesture and give back to the communities that we work within.
“The partnership with the Manchester Parks team has worked well and we’re delighted that they have been able to find it a new home where it will be enjoyed for many years by the local community.”
“This is a perfect example of the importance of Social Value and Commitment from Companies to Manchester” added Councillor Lee-Ann Igbon, Executive Member for Vibrant Neighbourhoods.”
Initial NSD development plans for the Welcomb Street site look to deliver up to 70,000 sq. ft of multi-let industrial accommodation, as an extension to their existing 175,000 sq. ft City Works site. Work is due to start on site in 2023, subject to securing planning permission later this year.
