Plans go in for 422 affordable Wythenshawe homes

Muse and Wythenshawe Community Housing Group have lodged three separate applications to develop a trio of town centre plots to provide social rent properties.

The submission of the plans follows a public consultation held in October over the first residential phase of the wider £500m masterplan to bring 2,000 homes to Wythenshawe over the next 15 years.

Once the 422 homes are built, they are to be handed over to partner Wythenshawe Community Housing Group to manage.

Brotherton House. Credit: via FontComms

Brotherton House, a former office site, would be transformed to host 81 apartments and 25 two- and four-bedroom townhouses.

A further 109 homes for people in later life and living with dementia bring the total residential offer up to 215 properties.

Alpha House. Credit: FontComms

The second application concerns Alpha House off Rowlandsway, which would be rebuilt following its recent demolition and would provide 125 flats, with 16 being wheelchair accessible.

Finally, a third application is to redevelop C2 The Birtles next to Wythenshawe’s former market square.

Existing retail and office space would be replaced by 81 one- and two-bedroom apartments with ground floor retail space, then reinstated.

All of the 422 properties are to be for social rent, and the surrounding public realm will also benefit. Indoor and outdoor communal spaces and gardens are planned across the sites.

C2 The Birtles. Credit: via FontComms

Cllr Bev Craig, Leader of Manchester City Council, said: “Delivering truly affordable homes – with a focus on social rent housing – was one of our key priorities when we set out the vision for the long-term transformation of Civic.

“The town centre is the beating heart of this community, and that means building homes that are affordable to as many people as possible, creating a long-term sustainable community of people who are proud of where they live.

“These planning applications represent an exciting milestone for Wythenshawe – and it’s great to be working alongside Wythenshawe Community Housing Group to realise these important developments.”

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Andrea Lowman, executive director of development at Wythenshawe Community Housing Group, said: “This phase will bring forward homes that support residents at every stage of life, creating a strong foundation for a vibrant, sustainable town centre that meets the needs of our communities now and in the future.”

This first 422-home phase is part of the wider investment underway in Civic, supported by £20m of government funding and a further £11.9m from Manchester City Council.

Civic, when it opens in 2027, is set to include a 30,000 sq ft culture hub with performance space, flexible workspaces, and a food hall.

Joe Stockton, development director at Muse, added: “This is another huge step forward for Wythenshawe. “These homes are central to creating a thriving, inclusive town centre.

“We’ve worked closely with the community to understand what people want, and we’re proud to be moving forward with plans that reflect that feedback.”