Manchester, MSV progress plans for 350 Moss Side homes 

A clutch of derelict Manchester sites, including the former Reno nightclub on Princess Road, could be redeveloped under proposals put forward by the housing association and the city council. 

Around 350 homes could be developed across four sites in Moss Side to cater for the area’s rapidly growing population. 

Manchester City Council and Mosscare St Vincent’s are in the early stages of drawing up plans for the plots and are seeking feedback from residents to shape the proposals. 

Under the plans, derelict land at the site of the former Reno nightclub and neighbouring sites at Barnhill Street, Westwood Street, and Raby Street could be turned into a mix of multigenerational family homes and apartments. 

The partnership will also be looking at how it could develop the site at the Greenheys Adult Learning Centre into homes, with the services currently delivered from Greenheys being transferred to one of the four sites being developed. 

Once the plans for the sites have been developed, a formal consultation period on the designs will begin later in the spring ahead of proposals being submitted to the city council in the summer. 

Rachel O’Connor, development director at MSV, said it is “vital” to involve the local community in discussions over future plans. 

“Over the next few months, we’ll be out in the community talking to as many people as possible about what they’d like to see and how they can get involved in shaping the proposals,” she said. 

Cllr Gavin White, executive member for housing and development at Manchester City Council, added: “These are exciting times for the Moss Side area and the plans show our continued commitment to investing in the community,”. 

“It’s important that we continue to invest in the future of our city by increasing the amount of affordable housing available across our neighbourhoods.” 

As well as developing new homes, MSV – which is in talks with Great Places over a potential merger – is planning to invest in its existing properties in Moss Side. 

“We’re still in conversations about the potential merger and we are excited about the benefits it will bring for our customers, communities and future customers, and the long-term resilience of the merged business,” said MSV chief executive Charlie Norman. 

“All being well, if the merger goes ahead, it could unlock millions of pounds in new money to invest in communities. Long-term plans such as these show that MSV’s work in areas such as Moss Side and our combined investment in the North will continue to be our priority.”