Shaw Park Close, Jigsaw Homes, p via Jigsaw Homes

The scheme will provide both social rent and rent-to-buy properties. Credit: via Jigsaw Homes

Jigsaw completes 71 Openshaw homes

9 December 2025 14:02 Charlie Valentine Comments (0)

The £12m all-affordable development was brought forward by developer Westchurch Homes, and now the housing association will take over management of the scheme on Shaw Park Close off Louisa Street.

Westchurch Homes has redeveloped a brownfield site to host 46 social rent homes and another 25 rent-to-buy properties across a mix of bungalows, apartments, and townhouses.

The Openshaw project was stimulated through funds from Homes England and the Greater Manchester Combined Authority’s Brownfield Fund.

Once the site of an iron foundry, the 2.2 acres now host the 71 properties, each designed by architect Views Associates.

Katie Marshall, deputy chief executive of Jigsaw Homes, said: “We are proud to have delivered our largest social rent and rent-to-buy scheme here in Manchester, in partnership with Manchester City Council and Westchurch Homes, providing 71 homes for people in housing need.

“It’s so good to hear how life-changing these homes are for people – and we are working hard to provide more of them.

“This is one of three schemes we are completing in 2025 across Manchester, including homes in Moston, Longsight, and here in Openshaw, with our three Project 500 sites due to complete in 2026.”

The scheme comprises a mixture of bungalows, apartments, and townhouses. Credit: via Jigsaw

MCC’s Project 500 was established in 2019 and seeks to deliver affordable homes across Manchester alongside partners including Jigsaw, Southway Housing Trust, Great Places, One Manchester, Irwell Valley Housing Association, The Guinness Partnership, and Mosscare St Vincents Housing Group.

Plans for the Openshaw project were first lodged with MCC in December 2022 with help from planner Euan Kellie Property Solutions. The scheme first won approval in June 2023.

Cllr Gavin White, executive member for housing and development at MCC, added: “It’s wonderful to see a brownfield site transformed in this way with a mix of bungalows, apartments, and family townhouses, which will create another community in this area.

“It was also great to hear first-hand just how vital developments like these are, giving people high-quality, affordable homes in a sustainable setting, and creating spaces where families can thrive.

“Projects like this show what can be achieved when we work together to regenerate land and invest in the future of our neighbourhoods.”

All the properties developed by Westchurch have been fitted with sustainability measures, including air-source heat pumps, EV charging, and gasless homes. The efforts have won the scheme a minimum EPC B rating.

All the properties are set to have an EPC B rating. Credit: via Jigsaw Homes

Jigsaw expects these measures will lower bills for its tenants.

Oliver Chan, partnerships director at Westchurch Homes, said: “Working closely with the council and our partners has allowed us to deliver a quality development that not only meets housing need but also enhances the character of the area.

“Every detail has been considered to ensure these homes are sustainable, energy-efficient, and built to last, creating a place where people can feel truly at home for years to come.”