Manchester Council gains ground on new housing development
The first stage of the local authorities Project 500 scheme has reached completion and is now progressing onto the next steps.
Project 500 is a programme that was originally launched by Manchester City Council in 2022 in a bid to deliver more affordable homes. Once the entire scheme is finished, 500 properties will have been constructed on brownfield sites.
Image: A blueprint of One Manchester’s proposed development.
Councillor Gavin White, executive member for housing and development, and leader of the project said: ‘Project 500 is one of the innovative ways that we are working with housing partners in the city to meet our ambitious housing strategy target to make sure at least 10,000 social, council and genuinely affordable homes are built up to 2032 to meet demand for quality housing in Manchester.’
Although the finish line still remains in the distant future, the first stage of the initiative, which is comprised of 357 homes, has been completed. Each property is now either on site or in the planning process and 92% of them are set to be available at either social rent or the Manchester Living Rent.
The two sites within the first stage include Cheetham Hill and Moston. Developers Mosscare St Vincentas (MSV) are in charge of the Cheetham Hill project which is made up of 70 new homes – including 26 apartments. The site is situated on Alderford Parade and Dinnington Avenue in north Manchester.
What’s more, MSV are also on site with two further Project 500 developments in Harpurhey, which will provide 46 affordable homes.
Developers One Manchester are also delivering new homes included within the first stage of Project 500. Located off Moston Lane, the organisation are providing a mix of 29 different properties, including 18 one-bed cottage flats across three separate buildings, along with seven two-bed houses and four, four-bedroom houses.
The company also has two other Project 500 sites currently in development.
Commenting in the progress of the scheme, Cllr White added: ‘This is the final application for the first phase of the initiative, which means we’ve seen 357 social rent and affordable homes go through the planning process across 22 different sites – and the next phase is well underway, which will help us exceed our 500-home target.’
Echoing a similar enthusiastic tone Charlie Norman, group chief executive of MSV said: ‘Project 500 has been an incredibly innovative project lead by the City Council to bring new homes to the people of Manchester. We are pleased that all 70 homes at our Cheetham Hill scheme will be social rent, which is the most affordable option available, and will not only help to tackle poverty and living standards head on but will bring a wide range of property types to the area.’
‘The new homes will be suitable for single people and families in need of a home in the city, and I’m really looking forward to seeing them move in,’ he continued. ‘Being able to deliver such a significant number of homes purely for social rent is a game changer, so thanks to Manchester City Council, Homes England and the Greater Manchester Combined Authority for partnering with MSV on this important scheme.’
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