How notorious high street once dubbed 'Alcohol Alley' could become a different place entirely

Parts of a once notorious north Manchester high street could be transformed into places 'for quiet reflection'.

Moston Lane was once dubbed 'Alcohol Alley' after it emerged it was home to 22 licensed premises selling booze. It's also been plagued by reports of crime and anti-social behaviour over the years.

But now the street could be given a major facelift under plans being pursued by the council.

It could see dozens of new homes, a new public square, speed bumps and improved cycling routes built under what's been described as a drive to 'create a real destination in north Manchester'. And the plans also include a facelift for three 'unloved and unwelcoming' parks along Moston Lane.

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Over the next three months work will take place at the Peace Gardens, St Dunstan’s Green and the Simpson Memorial Hall Garden to to create what the council describe as 'areas of peaceful tranquillity, encouraging people to spend time on the high street'. Repairs will also be carried out on the windows and roof of Simpson Memorial Hall.

It comes as construction of 60 new affordable homes on the site of the old college off Moston Lane has been completed. Meanwhile Jigsaw Housing will complete 20 new social rent homes on Sulby Street in the coming months, while work has also begun on 37 new affordable home on the former Adelphi site on nearby Kenyon Lane.

Coun Gavin White, Manchester council’s executive member for housing and development, said: "Moston Lane has the potential to be a brilliant, vibrant high street and following consultation last year, we know what local people want from their district centre and it's great to see that the conversation that we started last year is now becoming reality.

"This investment will begin by improving the existing green spaces on the Lane, which are currently underused and under loved. We have a chance to create some spaces for quiet reflection in the area that residents and visitors to the area can sit, enjoy and find some peace.

"This is the beginning of a range of investments, including highways works and ongoing housing investment, to improve Moston Lane and create a real destination in north Manchester."