The plans were unveiled at this years MIPIM property conference in Cannes.

The developer, in partnership with Manchester City Council, will rebrand the Central Spine as First Street and redevelop the entire 20-acre scheme.

Located on the southern edge of the city, First Street Manchester will include a major new pedestrian area, stretching from Hulme to the Hacienda site on Whitworth Street West.

It will also feature the city's first `green wall' - Europe's largest vertical garden as well as 1.8m sq ft of offices, 1,500 homes and 350,000 sq ft of retail and leisure space.

It is thought the first phase will be completed next summer.