Council launches development company with ambition to build 500 homes per year

All future This City developments will include a minimum of 20% accessible rented homes on completion.

The council said it has the ambition to deliver up to 500 new homes each year via the vehicle. 

The first development site, on Rodney Street in Ancoats, is being delivered in partnership with contractor Wates, which will be responsible for building 128 apartments and townhouses, 30% of which will be for rent. 

Dave Saville, regional director for the North West at Wates, said: “We will be working closely with Manchester City Council, the local supply chain and residents to develop designs that meet the needs of Mancunians and deliver a legacy that lasts.”

A consultation on the Rodney Street scheme will remain open until 27 February, and planning applications for the site are expected to be submitted in the summer.

Bev Craig, leader of Manchester City Council, said: “Every resident in our city should have access to a good-quality home and Manchester is leading the way in building our own homes as part of this. Seeing more homes at accessible rent is a real challenge in the city centre, so we’re building our own. 

“We will grow the potential of the company to deliver around 500 properties each year, using council-owned land to maximise our investment in new housing.”

The council said the announcement means it is now on track to build more than 7,000 affordable homes by 2025.