Manchester City Council has given the green light to electric vehicle charging network Be.EV to build Manchester’s first large-scale EV charging hub.
Be.EV’s plan 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 include commercial space for local businesses and 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 is the company’s first new generation ‘Oasis’ project, with further locations planned across the country. A wildflower garden will form a natural boundary along one side of the site. Other planted areas throughout will include herbaceous perennials, shrubs and grasses. The site has committed to a “net-biodiversity uplift”, to bring nature back into the area.
Solar panels will be included to provide energy for the operation of the commercial space. The retail building and forecourt roof will feature a biodiverse planting of native British species, specifically selected for the region. Significant groundworks will 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 powered by renewable energy from Octopus Energy.
Anyone will be able to use the chargers but Be.EV members will have a discounted rate.