Plans in for former Princess Road depot

Rowlinson Construction has been selected by Manchester Place to redevelop the long-vacant Stagecoach depot site in Moss Side, and has submitted a planning application for 258 homes.

Buttress is the architect for the scheme, which includes 204 one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments, 72 of which will be retirement living apartments, and 54 two and three-storey family homes.

Proposals to build a community health centre have also been lodged as part of the application.

The site was marketed by Manchester Place, a partnership between site owner Manchester City Council and the Homes & Communities Agency.

The council acquired the six-acre plot in 2011 when Stagecoach relocated after a century of occupation in Moss Side to new premises in Sharston.

Since then a range of residential proposals have been mooted, including an eco-friendly estate which was first outlined in 2010.

Rowlinson has worked on several projects around Moss Side, include a 100-unit affordable housing project for Mosscare along Broadfield Road, which is next to the depot.

David Chilton, director of development at Rowlinson Construction, and former area manager for Greater Manchester at the HCA, said: “The Stagecoach site lies at the heart of the Moss Side and this development forms a key part of the wider strategy to improve housing and facilities for the community.

“By increasing the choice of housing in the area we are also aiming to cater to the needs of Manchester’s growing population by encouraging more families to settle in Moss Side.”

Ian Beaumont, director at Buttress, added: “The designs we have developed have been informed the character of the surrounding neighbourhood and aim to link the new development with Moss Side’s existing housing stock to create a place that complements and enriches the local area.

“We are pleased to be working with Rowlinson Construction on this project and look forward to taking another step towards regenerating the area.”