Muse and English Cities Fund (ECf) – a joint venture between Muse, the Homes and Communities Agency and Legal & General – are pleased to report that five schemes across three of their regional offices in Manchester, London and Leeds have achieved places in the fifth annual 'Top 100 Regeneration Projects' study, published by Planning Magazine in association with Regeneration and Renewal.

The £650 million Salford Central scheme achieved the highest spot at number 29.  It involved the biggest planning application that Salford City Council had ever seen.  Work started in October on extensive public realm and highway alterations with development on the first phase of the scheme anticipated to start in October 2012.

ECF’s Millbay scheme in Plymouth has been ranked at number 47 and remains the biggest regeneration project under way in Devon and Cornwall and indeed anywhere south west of Bristol.  Millbay’s position is 12 places higher than in the 2010 list. 

Northshore, Muse’s £300 million scheme in Stockton on Tees, achieved a position of number 59.  Muse recently announced that funding and legal agreements had been signed at the scheme and work began on developing the first phase of development last week.

The £180 million mixed-use Rathbone Market scheme achieved a position of number 81 in the list.  A gateway site for the Canning Town and Custom House regeneration project, Rathbone Market will deliver, when complete, 651 private and affordable dwellings, along with new retail/ leisure amenities, and revitalise a local market.  Construction on the first phase of residential began in December and is due to be complete by late summer 2012. 

Merchant Gate, ECf's £165 million scheme in Wakefield, achieved number 84 in the list.  Last year Merchant Gate celebrated the launch of the first phase which has provided the city with commercial, retail and residential space within close proximity of the station.  Work is now under way on the second phase - a four-storey civic office building adjacent to the Grade 1 listed County Hall.

Matt Crompton joint managing director at Muse Developments said: “It’s great to be acknowledged in Planning and Regeneration & Renewal's Top 100 list.  Last year, two of our projects made the list and now we’re celebrating five.”

Continued Matt: “Our positioning reflects the success of Muse and ECf in maintaining momentum at a time when some major regeneration projects across the UK have stalled. “