Manchester Council to Release Brownfield Sites for Over 700 Affordable Homes

Manchester City Council is preparing to release ten brownfield sites to housing associations as part of an initiative to create more than 700 affordable homes. The plan will be reviewed by the council’s executive on 22 January, where members will consider recommendations to move forward with land acquisition and disposal agreements.

The proposed agreements involve key housing providers, including Mosscare St Vincent’s (MSV), Southway Housing Trust, Clarion, Jigsaw Homes North, Great Places Housing Group, and Legal & General Affordable Homes. These organisations are part of the Manchester Housing Providers’ Partnership (MHPP), a group dedicated to supporting the city’s housing objectives.

Supporting Manchester’s Housing Strategy

The city’s housing strategy for 2022-2032 outlines a target of 36,000 new homes over the next decade, with 10,000 designated as affordable housing. One-third of these affordable homes will be allocated for shared ownership or rent-to-buy schemes.

In the past year alone, Manchester delivered over 600 affordable homes, marking significant progress toward these goals. Council leader Bev Craig highlighted the importance of partnerships in achieving these results, saying, “We’ve seen more genuinely affordable homes built in the past year than at any other time in over a decade. This is due to collaborative efforts through initiatives like our building company This City, Project 500, large-scale regeneration projects, and partnerships with housing providers.”

Streamlining Development Through Partnerships

If the executive approves the proposal, commercial negotiations will be finalised, and public consultations will begin for design plans. Construction work is expected to commence promptly.

Gavin White, executive member for housing and development, stressed the importance of leveraging land opportunities to meet housing demands. “These sites will deliver much-needed housing across different tenures, including affordable and social housing, as well as specialist housing. This progress has been driven by our strong partnerships with housing providers, enabling the creation of high-quality, low-carbon homes for the people of Manchester.”

Planned Developments Across Manchester

The brownfield sites set for development and their proposed uses include:

• Crabtree Lane, Clayton (MSV): 12 supported apartments for individuals with learning disabilities and autism.
• Barnhill Street, Moss Side (MSV): 220 homes.
• Grey Mare Lane, Beswick (Great Places): 76 homes.
• Gorton Lane, Gorton (Clarion): 79 homes.
• Varley Street, Miles Platting (Jigsaw): 31 social-rented apartments.
• Wilbraham Road, Chorlton Park (Southway): 9 homes.
• Levenshulme Cricket Club (Southway): 50 homes.
• Levenshulme Baths (Legal & General Affordable Homes): 30 homes.
• Alexandra Road, Moss Side (Legal & General Affordable Homes): 50 homes.
• Broadmoss, Charlestown (Legal & General Affordable Homes): 150 homes.

A Strategy for the Future

This initiative is part of Manchester City Council’s broader effort to accelerate the delivery of affordable housing while prioritising sustainability and community needs. By utilising council-owned brownfield sites and fostering close collaboration with housing providers, the city is taking decisive steps toward achieving its long-term housing ambitions.

Source: Housing Today