Streets for All: A6 Corridor
Redefining Manchester’s Streets for everyone
The A6 corridor in Stockport is undergoing a major transformation under the "Streets for All" project. As urban designers involved in its design, we aim to create a more people-centred environment that prioritises active travel, integrates with the Bee Network, enhances the public realm, and creates climate resilient green infrastructure along the corridor.
Our approach to streets for all
We’re guided by three core values on all our projects: Nature, people and place.
Our methodology is rooted in shifting the A6 from a traditional traffic artery to a high-functioning "Healthy Street", that prioritises place and people over traffic and pollution.
Site and User Analysis
The approach began with a granular audit of the A6 to identify the "friction points" between vehicle movement and human experience. Layer.studio mapped existing barriers to mobility, such as narrow footways and community severance, while identifying "desire lines" where pedestrians and cyclists were currently underserved.
Applying the Guidance
Using Greater Manchester’s Streets for All framework, the design was benchmarked against "Healthy Streets" indicators to shift the priority from vehicle throughput to human health. This involved a rigorous reallocation of road space to ensure the A6 adheres to equitable design standards, making walking, wheeling, and cycling the most intuitive and safe choices. By aligning with Bee Network policies, the strategy ensures the corridor provides a dignified, barrier-free experience that serves the "first and last mile" of every journey for all demographics.
Concept and Delivery
The final concept transforms the A6 into a resilient and equitable Street for All, that integrates climate-adaptive infrastructure like SuDS and tree canopies. Delivery focused on high-quality placemaking, turning functional transit points into vibrant community hubs through improved lighting, seating, and planting. This approach ensures the A6 is no longer just a road to pass through, but a high-performing, sustainable asset that drives long-term economic investment and social value for Manchester.
Making Walking and Wheeling the Obvious Choice for Shorter Everyday Journeys
A key element of the project is the creation of safe and attractive spaces for walking and cycling. This includes widening sidewalks, implementing dedicated cycle lanes, and introducing traffic calming measures. By improving the infrastructure for active travel, we hope to encourage more people to choose these modes of transportation for their daily commute and leisure activities.
