Manchester City Council Unlocks Over 700 New Social and Affordable Homes

Manchester City Council is set to significantly boost the city’s affordable housing stock with plans to release council-owned land for the development of over 700 new social and affordable homes. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to meet the city’s ambitious housing targets and provide much-needed homes for residents.

Key Takeaways

Over 700 new social and affordable homes will be built on council-owned land.
The developments aim to meet the city’s target of 10,000 new social, council, and affordable homes by 2032.
Partnerships with housing providers are crucial to delivering these homes at pace.
Several specific sites across the city have been identified for development.

Boosting Affordable Housing Stock

Mancunian residents will soon benefit from a substantial increase in social and affordable housing as Manchester City Council moves forward with plans to utilize its own land for new developments. This initiative is a key component of the city’s commitment to building at least 10,000 new social, council, and affordable homes by 2032, with a specific focus on delivering 3,000 homes in the city centre.

Strategic Land Use and Partnerships

The council is leveraging its unused and surplus land parcels by collaborating with the Manchester Housing Providers Partnership (MHPP). This partnership ensures that the right mix of homes are built in areas where they are most needed. Over the past three years, MHPP members have been responsible for approximately 90% of all affordable homes constructed in Manchester, with a strong emphasis on keeping rents at social rent or Manchester Living Rent levels.

Upcoming Developments Across Manchester

Several sites have been earmarked for these new homes, including:

Broadmoss, Charlestown: 271 homes for social rent and shared ownership.
Viadux 2, Deansgate: A 133-unit social rent apartment tower.
Alexandra Road, Moss Side: 64 homes and apartments capped at Manchester Living Rent.
Gransmoor Avenue, Openshaw: 51 social rent homes.
Former Levenshulme Baths: 34 apartments capped at Manchester Living Rent.
Project 500 Phase 2: An additional 160 homes across 12 sites in north and east Manchester.

Furthermore, plans are in motion for an additional 400 homes in Gorton Town Centre, to be built by Clarion.

Council’s Commitment to Housing

Councillor Bev Craig, Leader of Manchester City Council, highlighted the council’s dedication to its housing strategy. “We are delivering on our commitment… to vastly increase the number of affordable homes – including significant numbers of social housing – being built in Manchester,” she stated. Craig emphasized that the current pace of affordable home construction on council land is unprecedented since 2015, a success attributed to strong partnerships with city housing providers. “Providing council-owned land to create opportunities for new home building is a proven approach,” she added, noting that over 1,000 affordable homes have been unlocked this month alone through these latest developments.