How system thinking is shaping the future of Mayfield, Manchester

Plans were approved for the first 879 homes at Mayfield Park and construction began on The Republic, a new green office building set to bring thousands of jobs to the city. 

But Mayfield Manchester isn’t just about buildings - it’s about creating a resilient, connected, and inclusive neighbourhood. 

These milestones reflect the success of a long-term, collaborative approach to regeneration. From deculverting the River Medlock to rethinking rainwater management and reusing historic materials on site, every intervention contributes to a broader strategy to deliver transformational change to this post-industrial part of the city. 

We hosted a roundtable during UKREIIF on delivering complex projects at scale, where we spotlighted Mayfield as a leading example of system thinking in action; an approach that views urban environments as interconnected networks. In this model, every element – from transport and housing to green spaces and water management – is interdependent. 

When delivering these projects, Stephen O'Malley noted there’s “a sweet spot in trying to get a curated blend of occupiers, homes, businesses and green space to deliver a complete neighbourhood.” 

These kinds of projects often span decades, adding complexity but also unlocking long-term value. Lloyd Preston-Allen of Landsec shared “Our intention as a long-term custodian of the site means we can think differently, more broadly, and it’s a gift to take a more considered approach to the overall place. The only reason for that is because we are able take a long-term view in collaboration with our partners.” 

Mayfield is a living example of what happens when patient capital, deep collaboration, and a shared narrative come together – not just to regenerate space, but to reimagine what a city can be. 

Read Stephen O’Malley discuss how system thinking can deliver successful places in Estates Gazette here: https://lnkd.in/euGrHf8p