FEC, MCC push ahead with next 550 Collyhurst homes

Phase two of the regeneration of the North Manchester neighbourhood would see the number of homes within a given area increased by 392.

Manchester City Council and its development partner FEC are aiming to submit a planning application this autumn for around 550 homes in Collyhurst as part of the wider Victoria North initiative.

The first 35 homes in phase one completed last year – including 10 for social rent – and the remaining 239 – including another 120 for social rent – are due to be handed over this year.

Attention has now turned to phase two, which incorporates the area north of Harrowby Drive and South of Queens Road, immediately east of phase one.

While no decisions have been made with regards to demolition, it is likely that at least some of the 158 existing homes located within the red line will be cleared to make way for a mix of one-, two-, three-, and four-bed houses and apartments. A “significant” proportion of the new homes are expected to be for social rent.

An extension to the community park being delivered in phase one and a landscaped neighbourhood route cutting through the phase two area and linking the site of a proposed new Metrolink stop at Sandhills to Monsall are also planned.

A consultation on the plans is now open 

Cllr Bev Craig, Leader of Manchester City Council, said: “We chose Collyhurst as one of the first areas to invest in as part of the major Victoria North regeneration programme because we could see the massive potential in this neighbourhood – and we wanted to deliver for this community that has waited for so long for investment in their area.

“It’s great to see that the first Council social rent homes are welcoming residents and we’ll see ongoing completions through the rest of the year, which will also mean residents who moved out of the area will be supported back to Collyhurst and into a new home.”

Manchester City Council and FEC have been liaising with residents about plans for phase two for several months. Throughout the process, both parties have been keen to engage with locals, given the sensitivity of the proposals, and ensure they can remain in Collyhurst and not have to relocate either temporarily of permanently.

Collyhurst is one of the seven neighbourhoods that make up the 370-acre Victoria North regeneration programme. The project will see up to 15,000 new homes built between Victoria Train Station and Queen’s Park in Collyhurst over the next 15 years.

To date, 430 homes have been completed across the Victoria North, as well as 550 currently on site and a further 4,801 with planning approval.