- As one of the first of its kind in the UK, the Ancoats Mobility Hub in Manchester has now opened to the public.
- With facilities for EV charging, electric bikes, and car sharing, the facility is set to promote emobility across the wider area.
- The facility will be managed by European parking management firm, APCOA.
A local hub for emobility
The 104 electric chargers on the site will have a number of applications. Not only will it provide a space for EV charging for local residents without off-street parking, further encouraging EV adoption, but it’ll also provide a place of destination charging for longer-distance drivers who are visiting Ancoats and the wider Manchester area. Plus, with strong walking, cycling, and public transport connections outside the hub, it’ll encourage those drivers to move to less congesting transport methods, reducing car usage in the city.
In addition, 150 secure bike parking spots are available at the hub, along with dedicated spaces for ebikes and ecargo bikes. A bicycle repair station will also exist on site, further encouraging use of bikes and ebikes in the area.
Furthering that sustainability aspect, the building itself is also designed to be greener – with living green walls coating the side of the building, and a solar roof array consisting of over 400 panels. Altogether, the hub will is one of several recent moves that will assist Manchester in its goal to becoming a zero carbon city by 2038.
Kim Challis, APCOA Regional Managing Director UK&I, commented:
“We are proud to manage this prestigious site in partnership with Manchester City Council. Our proven track record with the design and build of APCOA Urban Hubs in Carmarthenshire, Manchester and Sheffield strengthened our offering, and we are delighted that the outstanding sustainability credentials of the new Ancoats Hub align closely with our own commitment to the environment. We look forward to being an integral part of this unique investment and to collaborating with the Council to incorporate feedback from residents and businesses as the hub becomes an essential part of local life.”
Bev Craig, Leader of Manchester City Council, added:
“The Ancoats Mobility Hub is a central piece of neighbourhood infrastructure that will help to put people at the heart of this community, rather than car traffic. Rather than being a car park or cycle store, last mile delivery hub and new commercial space, this development is a blueprint for how we can create cleaner, greener communities – with few cars and more space for people to enjoy their space in a more peaceful, safer setting.”
