The Client brief set out the challenge to create the best neighbourhood in Manchester. The strategies for achieving this goal were to:

• Create an exciting and vibrant neighbourhood
• Create a mixed tenure community in an area of Manchester dominated by social housing
• Working with the existing community and lifting their aspirations
• Change the perception of the existing Cardroom Estate – and create a new identity for New Islington

The open space of New Islington defines the character and quality of this new place as much as the buildings.From the outset the public realm and landscape areas of the site have been central to planning the identity and physical character of the project. The intention is to create a rich and diverse outdoor environment that reinforces the innovative spirit and ambition of the plan.