Manchester announces thousands of affordable homes in pipeline

The number of affordable homes in Manchester is expected to exceed 7,500 by 2025, with nearly 4,000 affordable homes completed or in the pipeline in the North and East of the city since 2016.

This new figure exceeds the city’s target to build at least 6,400 affordable homes between 2015 and 2025.

50,000 new residents have moved to Manchester in the last five years, which has made increasing the number of affordable homes in the city a key priority for the Council in order to keep up with demand.

Cllr Gavin White, Manchester City Council’s executive member for housing, said: ‘These numbers are incredibly encouraging and show beyond doubt that Manchester has risen to the challenge of increasing the number of decent, affordable homes that the people of this city can access. 

‘But importantly, it also highlights our focus on local communities. Sometimes the focus of the city is on the city centre, but we are committed to building the homes in local communities, which mean we can support people to stay in their local area – close to family and friends – while also increasing the numbers of homes across all tenures in the city to meet demand.’

A large proportion of these new homes have been or will be built in the North and East of the city, where demand for affordable and social housing is high, taking advantage of underused brownfield land.

954 affordable and social homes have been completed in North and East Manchester in the last five years, with 855 homes either with planning approval or planning pending.

This news comes as the City Council announces a full review of Manchester’s housing strategy to address key local issues including affordability and sustainability.

In related news, a consultation will look into improving sheltered housing in Wiltshire, as part of a 10-year plan to build 1,000 new affordable homes in the area.

Photo by William McCue