‘Urgent’ 300-home Moss Side plan progresses
Manchester City Council and Mosscare St Vincent’s are seeking feedback on plans to redevelop a clutch of sites into housing, a scheme that aims to address an “acute housing shortage” in the area.
Around 300 homes could be developed across four sites in Moss Side to cater for the area’s rapidly growing population.
“The demand for new homes in Moss Side is urgent,” said MSV chief executive Charlie Norman.
“The population has grown by more than 20% in the last decade, but the number of homes, particularly those that local people can afford has not kept pace.”
There are more people on the priority list for social housing than any other area in Manchester, according to the project partners.
In response, the city council and MSV have launched a consultation on plans to transform derelict land at the site of the former Reno nightclub and neighbouring sites at Barnhill Street, Westwood Street, and Raby Street into a mix of multigenerational family homes and apartments.
The sites, which total 3.4 acres, have been vacant for several years and are described by partners as “hotspots for anti-social behaviour”.
Norman added: “We have worked with the community on our plans from day one, to ensure that what we are bringing forward not only addresses the acute housing shortage, but also builds on the area’s proud history.”
The sites being redeveloped have been vacant for several years. Credit: via Hough Bellis
The homes MSV and Manchester City Council plan to deliver would be either for rent, shared ownership, or rent to buy.
Cllr Gavin White, executive member for housing and development at Manchester City Council, said the scheme forms part of a wider effort to deliver more discounted housing across the city.
“We have an ambitious plan to work with our local housing associations to increase the amount of affordable housing available across our neighbourhoods.
“This exciting development will bring forward hundreds of affordable and sustainable homes where we know that they are needed.”
The public consultation opens officially on 22 July at 12pm with a drop-in session at Moss Side Community Park.
The Consultation will close on Sunday 13 August and the findings will be presented at a future meeting of the council’s executive committee.
MCAU is advising on design and Nexus is the planning consultant.
