Manchester City Council has signed up electric vehicle charging network Be.EV to build the city’s first large-scale green charging ‘Oasis’ for EVs.

Trees and biodiversity are integral to the design

The project, a milestone in the council’s work to expand public charging, will transform an old former petrol station site on the corner of Reliance Street and Oldham Road into a green forecourt and community hub.

The site will provide ultra-rapid charging for 16 electric vehicles at any time, including accessible and van-suitable spaces, as well as secure charging for electric bicycles. It will also include commercial space for local businesses.

It’s the company’s first new-generation ‘Oasis’ project; further locations are planned across the country as part of the company’s rapidly growing network.

The site has committed to a “net-biodiversity uplift”, in order to bring nature back into the area, and trees and biodiversity are integral to the design. The retail building and forecourt roof will feature a biodiverse planting of native British species, specifically selected for the region. A wildflower garden will form a natural boundary along one side of the site and other planted areas will also feature, including herbaceous perennials, shrubs and grasses.

Solar panels will be included to further improve the carbon footprint of the development, providing clean energy for the operation of the commercial space.

The EV chargers will be powered by renewable energy from Octopus Energy, ensuring the move to a totally green transport system is achieved.

Works at the Reliance Street site will be undertaken by Be.EV and will include significant groundworks to remove contamination from the former petrol station. This will be replaced by permeable surfaces that will collect rainwater to be repurposed to water the planted areas and service the commercial space.

The chargers will be open to all EV drivers but Be.EV members will be able to access a discounted rate.

Be.EV CEO Asif Ghafoor said: “We worked with the talented team at Architect That to design a site that is not only functional but delivers regeneration in the local area, looks fantastic, and responds to the needs of the local community as it offers so much more than just charging.

“These sites will absorb carbon and clean the air whilst providing EV drivers with a calm, green environment to relax in while they’re charging. The site is also designed to maximise the number of charging bays to accelerate equitable access to the future of electric vehicles.

“It’s a real privilege to continue our partnership with Manchester City Council with this cutting-edge project. The more local authorities who follow their example, the more clean and sustainable our communities will become.”

Cllr Tracey Rawlins, executive member for environment and transport for Manchester City Council, said: “As Manchester continues our journey to become a net zero carbon city by 2038, initiatives such as this that increase access to handy charge stations across our city are important to support drivers to make a switch – ensuring electric vehicles are a viable option. This is one element of a wide range of sustainable transport options in Manchester that are making it easier than ever for our residents to move away from conventional cars.”