Proposals for the first phase of a £40m programme of investment and redevelopment in Collyhurst are set to go before Manchester city council’s executive this week.
The north Manchester suburb, close to the city centre fringe, was one of the final PFI schemes to be withdrawn by the government in 2006, and since then the area has been a strategic priority for regeneration.
The first phase of the 15-year masterplan will include completing the wide-scale refurbishments of homes as part of the Decent Homes Programme, in partnership with Northwards Housing, as well as constructing new roads and housing projects.
Phase one plans will also include the completion of the demolition of older properties to allow new sites for high-quality housing, while bringing potential sites forward for future development as part of the Manchester Place initiative.
Manchester Place is an alliance between the council and the Homes and Communities agency to create 55,000 homes by 2027 through such investment backers as Abu Dhabi Group.
Some 13 blocks of maisonettes are being demolished as part of the transformation. The Collyhurst masterplan identifies the site of these maisonettes as the venue for housing, a community hub, shops and health facilities.
Phase two of the masterplan will see more new-build homes developed for sale at market rent, together with further demolitions of older properties and work to bring forward future development opportunities.
Jeff Smith, Manchester city council’s executive member for housing and regeneration, said: “These are major plans that represent an incredibly exciting opportunity to breathe new life into an area that has remained underdeveloped over the years after the scrapped PFI scheme.
“High-quality new homes are essential for the city’s growth and Collyhurst is well placed on the city centre fringe to become the next neighbourhood of choice.”
chris.berkin@estatesgazette.com
