A Manchester-based EV charging network is investing £4 million to transform a derelict petrol station into an electric vehicle forecourt.
The development from Be.EV is the latest in a string of projects in the area which have been revitalising neglected urban spaces and supporting local economic growth.
The new Manchester Charging Oasis will offer 12 ultra-rapid charging bays that can deliver up to 300kW, meaning drivers can add up to 325 miles of range in a 20-minute stop. There are also four waiting bays for drivers who are queuing for the chargers.
The site, which has been derelict for 15 years, will also have a new Caffè Nero Express providing a welcoming destination for EV drivers and the wider community.
This landmark project forms a key part of Failsworth’s ongoing regeneration. Failsworth forms part of the ‘Northern Gateway’, one of the six key growth zones outlined in Greater Manchester’s 10-year industrial strategy, and has been undergoing an extensive transformation in recent years.
The Manchester Charging Oasis is located on the corner of Reliance Street and Oldham Road, and the new site expects to serve more than 26,000 daily commuters.
With Greater Manchester’s EV population projected to exceed 150,000 by 2038, the development provides crucial infrastructure for the city’s net-zero ambitions.
Crucially, the site has undergone a comprehensive decontamination process, removing old petrol tanks and restoring the soil to safe, sustainable conditions.
It is now officially certified as a green site by Manchester City Council, making it one of the first former petrol stations in the UK to be repurposed for clean energy use—a blueprint for converting disused urban sites into assets for the green transition.
Beyond enabling EV adoption, the Manchester Charging Oasis plays a vital role in the city’s Clean Air Plan.
Asif Ghafoor, CEO of Be.EV, said: “We are on a mission to improve community access to EV charging and with the Manchester Charging Oasis we are putting our money where our mouth is.
“This once-derelict site is set to become a key transport feature of the community—a thriving hub buzzing with activity. By breathing new life into this space, we’re not just revitalising the area—we’re paving the way for cleaner, greener streets.”
