Plans for 400-home East Manchester development progress
Having bought the site earlier this year, Kellen Homes is moving ahead with plans to demolish the former abattoir buildings at Riverpark Trading Estate to make way for the project.
Kellen, which is headed up by Renaker’s Daren Whitaker and former Countryside chief executive Ian Kelley, acquired the 18-acre site from Realty Estates.
The housebuilder added the plot to its East Manchester portfolio – 600 homes across two schemes in Gorton and Ardwick are underway – and is working with Great Places Housing Group on plans for around 400 homes off Riverpark Road.
Kellen has lodged an application requesting permission to clear the site, razing the existing industrial buildings and offices.
Following the demolition work, the site is expected to remain vacant for around 12 months, according to a report prepared by Euan Kellie Property Solutions.
The site clearance is deemed necessary “from a health and safety perspective and to minimise the risk of any anti-social behaviour”, according to the report.
In total, around 350,000 sq ft of buildings will be knocked down to pave the way for Kellen and Great Places’ scheme. The site has long been earmarked for residential. In 2015, Realty secured consent for a 340-home Hodder + Partners-designed scheme featuring 228 houses and 112 apartments.
