Mulbury lines up three New Cross schemes

As the developer nears completion on its second and third residential projects in Manchester, a further three blocks are being planned in the New Cross neighbourhood.

After several years delivering low-rise homes, Mulbury launched its Mulbury City division in 2016, and the brand has since become well known for its prominent sites in Manchester city centre. 

This year marks Mulbury’s decade of being in business, and according to co-founder and director Greg Mulligan, the company is setting its sights on further growth, both in the low-rise and apartment market, bringing on board big hitters such as former Homes England head Deborah McLaughlin.  

Greg Mulligan, co-founder of Mulbury, said the developer is eyeing its next wave of Manchester sites

In Castlefield, a joint venture between Mulbury and T&M Property Investments is imminently set to complete on the construction of Excelsior Mill, which according to Mulligan is 40% sold. Designed by Tim Groom Architects, handover from contractor GMI is expected next month.  

The Astley was Mulbury’s first Manchester city centre project, and was one of the first private rented sector schemes to be completed. The 130-apartment project on Great Ancoats Street opened at the start of last year, and was forward funded by M&G Real Estate.  

Mulbury’s second PRS scheme in the city, 143 flats on Blossom Street, was due for completion in February. Main contractor Bardsley went into administration before Christmas leaving the development 90% complete. A statement from Mulbury said the project could be finished by its in-house construction arm. Tim Groom is also the architect.

Growing its Manchester pipeline, Mulligan told Place North West Mulbury was preparing to submit planning applications for three sites in New Cross, totalling 360 apartments designed by Tim Groom, at the former Goulden Street fire station, and plots on Bendix Street and Oldham Road.

Two of the schemes are expected to be targeted at PRS occupiers, with one on Oldham Road potentially being brought forward in partnership with a registered provider for shared ownership.

Subject to planning consent, the sites are due to be brought forward in the next nine months, said Mulligan.  

Mulbury’s lower-rise divisions, split between private housing and affordable housing, are set to be on site with 10 schemes over the course of 2020. This month, Mulbury has started on site with 20 homes in Boothstown, Salford.  

A detailed planning application is due in April for Mulbury’s joint venture with Torus, for 400 homes off Flower Lane in Leighton, Crewe.  

In the pipeline over the next nine months, Mulligan said there would be 1,000 homes on site, including the Crewe scheme, and 250 homes in Widnes.

Collapsed contractor Bardsley had been on site at Blossom Street; the residential project is near completion and is set to be finished by Mulburys in-house team