CABE: West Gorton housing project on right lines
Artisan and BDP's masterplan for the regeneration of 130 acres of West Gorton, Manchester, has been praised by the Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment.
The project includes the refurbishment of 250 existing homes, and 1,200 new homes and apartments. Other proposals include new shops, a medical centre, a primary school and a community park with play and sports facilities.
The masterplan was commissioned by BASE, the joint venture between Artisan and Barratt that the former is currently negotiating to take over.
The CABE assessment highlighted positive aspects of the masterplan including the townhouses, which were described as "a positive addition to the range of house types and allow a potentially attractive change of scale next to a busy road" and "the inclusion of tree planting along streets will help create a welcoming and comfortable environment for pedestrians."
Carol Ainscow, founder and chairman of Artisan Group, said: "The results of this assessment are testament to the hard work and dedication of Steve Jones and the BASE team and we're delighted that this work has been recognised by as august a body as CABE. I am confident that we will deliver a scheme that is of a Building for Life Silver Standard."
Francis Glare, director of BDP, said: "BDP has worked hard to produce a transformational plan for West Gorton in collaboration with residents, New East Manchester and BASE. This masterplan gives a real sense of a fantastic future for West Gorton."
