New design guide launched to improve Greater Manchester streets

A new technical design guide has been adopted in Greater Manchester to improve the way streets across the city-region are developed.

The Streets for All Design Guide has been co-developed by Transport for Greater Manchester together with the 10 Greater Manchester local authorities and forms part of the Greater Manchester Streets for All strategy. It sets out new guidance and standards for how streets look, feel and function. The guide will inform designs for new developments, with the aim of ensuring they are safer, greener and accessible for all. The design guide also supports delivery of the city-region’s Bee Network of public transport and active travel routes, by ensuring adequate provision for buses, cyclists and pedestrians.

Active Travel Commissioner Dame Sarah Storey said:

“When I took the role of Active Travel Commissioner the development of the GM Streets for All Design guide was well underway, supporting the ambition to ensure all streets are welcoming and safe, with more planted areas to provide pleasant and accessible places for all ages.

“A big part of Streets for All is about enabling people to walk, wheel and cycle to their destination with ease, while providing accessible and convenient connections to public transport and helping our streets work better for bus services. High-quality public spaces can also help local communities and businesses thrive.

“I’m delighted that the new Streets for All Design Guide has been officially adopted by all 10 local authorities and I look forward to seeing how it will shape our streets in future.”

Following approval by Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA), the design guide can be used by planners and developers involved in development of streets across the city-region. Projects underway in the city-region already making use of the Streets for All Design Guide include Mott MacDonald’s regeneration of Market Street in Farnworth, Bolton (pictured), which includes wider pavements, improved waiting areas for bus passengers, improved cycling provision and additional tree planting.

The guide will used as part of the £1 billion City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement (CRSTS) programme of investment in streets and public transport across Greater Manchester.

Dame Sarah Storey added:

“This inclusive approach to design means our streets can enable people to walk, wheel or cycle on their short journeys, whether it’s going to the shops, a family’s local school or making their way to the bus stop.

“Integrating walking, wheeling and cycling routes with local amenities and public transport connections is a key approach as we build the Bee Network – a joined-up, London-style transport system combining all modes of travel.”