Peaks & Plains starts Macclesfield build

The housing provider has started work on 67 apartments on a site near Macclesfield town centre, formerly home to a Georgian mill.

Working with contractor Rowlinson, Peaks & Plains has completed demolition of the former mill and is now working to build a mix of brick-clad apartment blocks, including one, two, and three-bed homes both for rent-to-buy, shared ownership, and private rent.

Designed by architect Pozzoni and named Crossings, the scheme also includes external and internal communal space. The project has been supported by Homes England, and is set to complete in late 2021.

The Georgian mill buildings on the site to the southern edge of Macclesfield town centre, and near the town’s railway station, were left derelict after being damaged by a fire in 2011.

The site is bounded by Park Green, Lower Bank Street and Waterside, and sits next to Throwsters Court, an earlier Peaks & Plains development. Peaks & Plains bought the land for the £10m project from PH Homes in June 2017.

Mark Howden, interim chief executive of Peaks & Plains Housing Trust, said: “Crossings is the cornerstone of our aspirations for the regeneration of Sunderland Street and the wider town centre, providing residents with the perfect mix of urban amenities in a beautiful rural setting. In partnership with Homes England we are extremely proud to be able to offer such premium tenures in affordable ways to rent and own.

“As a local trust, it’s our job to recognise and respond to housing needs – both for local residents and for those looking for affordable living options. Crossings not only provides excellent commuter links to Manchester and London, but also an opportunity for high-quality living within a warm and welcoming community.”