Strategic plan “implementation projects” map >

What was once a struggling post-industrial community is now the place to live in New England. In response to the city’s growing popularity, city officials from Manchester, New Hampshire sought a Strategic Development Plan that could carry the town’s success through the next decade.

A multi-disciplinary team of urban planners and designers, landscape architects, and economists led by Anish Kumar, head of Hillier’s planning and urban design practice, was selected by the city through a nationally competitive process.

Development goals for the strategic plan were developed through an iterative analysis and visioning process involving a wide range of stakeholders. In response to the City’s plan implementation process, Anish’s team recommended a plan that consisted of a series of public and private “projects” in support of Manchester’s goals.

Public projects included policy initiatives, community amenities such as a concert hall and transit station, and a wide range of infrastructure investments. Private projects included residential and commercial developments as well as participation in community facilities such as the transit station.

Some of the benefits to Manchester after implementation of the development projects include two new downtown residential neighborhoods, a centrally located transit center, an urban boulevard where a highway is now located, transportation links with other cities and the successful Manchester Airport, and enhanced parks and visitor attractions including a new performing arts center and an expanded conference meeting facility.