This approach reflects Manchester’s strong place-shaping culture: in a competitive market, frameworks help the City present opportunities clearly, with projects that are visibly supported by decision-makers.
The Benefits of Strategic Regeneration Frameworks as catalysts for growth
14 Apr 26
In honour of the recent growth of our Manchester office (yes, we are still talking about it), this week we are highlighting a topic that brings planning and economics together: Manchester’s dynamic approach to shaping development through Strategic Regeneration Frameworks (SRFs) and their little brother/sister, Neighbourhood Regeneration Frameworks (NRFs) (‘the Frameworks’).
These Frameworks are exactly what proactive local authorities and developers can create to promote development in highly competitive investor markets.
Manchester City Council has used SRFs since the early 2010s to catalyse regeneration of defined areas of the city, with around 40 Frameworks now approved and at varying stages of implementation. Other authorities including Liverpool, Salford and Stockport have also adopted this approach to help direct investment to the right places at the right time.
Done well, SRFs are quicker to produce than full Development Plan documents and are easier to update as markets change. They focus on outcomes rather than detailed policy (which sits in the statutory plan). They are built on meaningful consultation, and they help balance investor confidence with clear expectations around social, economic and environmental goals.
Importantly, SRFs and NRFs can be taken into account when deciding planning applications. While they are not part of the statutory Local Plan, applicants in framework areas should show how proposals respond to the published vision, objectives and development principles.
This approach reflects Manchester’s strong place-shaping culture: in a competitive market, frameworks help the City present opportunities clearly, with projects that are visibly supported by decision-makers.
For example, the Victoria North SRF (Northern Gateway) sets the direction for around 15,000 new homes over the next 20 years, developed by Manchester City Council and Far East Consortium. A clear long-term framework has helped the programme gain national attention, including being shortlisted for the Government’s New Towns initiative.
Our Manchester Economics Director, and Head of English Regions for Iceni, Danny Collins, reports how the Liverpool Commercial Business District SRF (2019) is playing a crucial role in demonstrating strategic alignment and strengthening the business case for public sector funding of the £60million Pall Mall scheme (the first new Grade A office in the city for over 15 years!) (see Danny’s article, ‘Delivering Grade A Office Space in a Complex Market’ ).
Manchester’s experience—and the growing take-up elsewhere—shows how active planning can unlock growth. The ideal scenario is a robust statutory Local Plan alongside clear, practical frameworks that set direction and are grounded in realistic economics. Just the combination Iceni can offer.
SRFs are worthy of attention. They are powerful tools for driving regeneration from both a planning and economic perspective. For further information, please contact Tillie Baker at tbaker@iceniprojects.com or Danny Collins at dcollins@iceniprojects.com.
Tillie Baker
Associate,Planning
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