An army of construction workers have arrived in East Manchester to begin work on the transformation of Beswick into an unrivalled sport and community hub.

A joint regeneration project between Manchester City Council, urban regeneration company, New East Manchester, and Manchester City Football Club will change the face of a 16-acre site in East Manchester that will bring brand new leisure, education and employment opportunities to the area.

Leader of Manchester City Council, Sir Richard Leese, met Alex Williams MBE, former goalkeeper and Head of Manchester City Football Club's charities and community champion; Robyn Nicholls, Olympian goalkeeper from the Women's GB Waterpolo team; and Tom Higgins, Business Leader at Laing O'Rourke to mark the beginning of the 16 month development programme.

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Sir Richard commented: "It's always an exciting prospect visiting an untouched regeneration site and looking forward to the area’s potential being realised.

"Since before the 2002 Commonwealth Games, East Manchester has grown from its industrial roots to become a globally recognised centre of sport and leisure – and this project will undoubtedly build on that reputation, while providing Beswick, and the city, with unrivalled community facilities.

"The project includes one of three brand new leisure centres planned for the city in the coming months – a further testament to our commitment to leisure facilities in Manchester."

Beswick's transformation will include a new leisure centre with a public swimming pool, Connell Sixth Form College – a 600-place sixth form college for 16-21 years meeting growing demand for sixth form places in the area – and a brand new rugby pitch.

The plans will also include improved local shops and changes to the road layout, public realm and car parking infrastructure to improve road safety and create a pedestrian friendly environment.

Local engineering and construction specialists Laing O'Rourke will deliver the project.

(CD/JP)