OROC

Our Rivers, Our City – A Strategy for Manchester’s key River Valleys

Historically, our waterways were fundamental to Manchester's rise to economic power. They remain at the heart of what makes the city tick. As well as the canals, Manchester has three main river valleys; the Irk in the north, the Medlock in the centre and the Mersey in the south. The Irk and Medlock flow into the River Irwell, forming the boundary between the city and Salford. The River Mersey flows through the southern part of the City on its route towards the Manchester Ship Canal further downstream. The Bollin forms the border with Cheshire.

It’s important we manage Manchester’s River Valleys as the front line of defence against the effects of climate change.

The Our Rivers, Our City Strategy provides a comprehensive assessment of the Mersey, Medlock and Irk urban river valleys in Manchester. It aims to re-energise some of the city’s most important natural spaces, making them 21st-century assets, drivers for growth, and places where people and nature can thrive. As well as an overarching strategy for the city, individual long-term action plans have been co-developed for the Irk, Medlock and Mersey Valleys.

The Our Rivers, Our City Strategy includes:

· Our Rivers Our City Strategy

· Stakeholder Engagement Summary Report (Annexe A)

· Stakeholder Engagement Full Report (Annexe B)

· Strategic Review (Annexe C)

· Web Mapping and Data Sources (Annexe D)

· Review of City Centre Regeneration Frameworks (Annexe E)

· Delivery Plan (Annexe F)

OROC was developed in partnership with a range of stakeholders and launched in December 2021. It was funded as part of the EU Horizon2020 GrowGreen project.