Watson Homes secures £9m Moston overhaul contract

Housing association One Manchester has recruited the Salford-based housebuilder to turn the former college site into 60 affordable homes.

TP Bennett designed the scheme, which is set on three acres of land off Ashley Lane that formerly belonged to Manchester College. Planning permission was secured in June last year.

One Manchester’s project includes sustainable drainage, green spaces, EV charging points and bike storage. The homes would also benefit from solar panels and air source heat pumps.

Of the 60 homes, 50 would be two-bed and three-bed houses with landscaped front gardens and private rear gardens. The houses would also have off-road parking. Tenures for the houses include rent-to-buy and shared ownership.

The remaining 10 homes would be a mixture of one- and two-bedroom apartments. These would be available or social rent.

Cllr Gavin White, Manchester City Council’s executive member for housing and regeneration, said the project was much needed.

“We know we need to increase the number of homes in every part of the city to meet ever-rising demand – and this must include affordable housing options to help our residents access the quality homes they need,” White said.

“To meet this demand the city needs to be innovative about redeveloping and reusing sites to open up opportunities for new housing. This development will be hugely welcome in the Moston area and I look forward to seeing the homes become available to local people.”

Watson Homes is aiming to complete work on the development in spring 2024. Credit: via Rumpus PR

Funding for the affordable housing project has come in part from Homes England and Greater Manchester Combined Authority’s Brownfield Housing Fund. The construction contract with contractor Watson Homes was valued at £9.4m.

Construction is set to begin later this month, and complete in spring 2024.

Judy Noah, director of development for One Manchester, said the housing association was “delighted” to begin work on the project.

“These homes will provide much-needed affordable housing and demonstrate One Manchester’s commitment to provide our customers with sustainable, secure and energy efficient new homes,” she said.

Rob Watson, director at Watson Homes, commented: “This project for One Manchester is important to Watson Homes and will support the much-needed requirement for homes in the Moston and Harpurhey area.”

The Moston campus site was one of several sold as part of Manchester College’s £139m estate overhaul. Other sites sold include the college’s St John’s Campus in Spinningfields to HBD and the Northenden campus to Miller Homes.