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Manchester landlord eyes plans for 350 new homes in Moss Side
A Manchester-based landlord has promised to consult local residents on plans to regenerate four sites, with proposals for around 350 new homes in the city’s Moss Side area.
Mosscare St Vincent’s (MSV) is working with Manchester City Council on the scheme, but said “no final decisions have been made” and that it will be “seeking feedback from residents”.
One of the sites is derelict land that was home to famous Manchester funk and soul nightclub The Reno, before the venue was pulled down in 1987.
A neighbouring site at Barnhill Street, along with land at Westwood Street and Raby Street, could also be turned into a “mix of multigenerational family homes and apartments”, MSV said.
Asked by Inside Housing if the plans would lead to any homes being demolished, an MSV spokesperson said: “The vast majority of the development will be on land that is currently undeveloped or derelict.
“If any demolition was to be required, it would relate to a very small number of properties (in single figures) on one of the sites. However, no decisions have been made at this stage.”
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The spokesperson added that it if any households were affected by demolition, they would be rehoused.
A new community space is also included in the plans that will celebrate “the area’s heritage” along with options for potential for commercial spaces and other facilities for local people”, MSV said.
The site of the Greenheys Adult Learning Centre could also be redeveloped into homes.
MSV said a steering group of local residents has been set up and it will be speak to the local community over the “coming months” to discuss the plans.
This will be aimed at ensuing the “rich history of the sites and diversity and culture of the area is reflected in the designs before the proposals are finalised”, the landlord said.
MSV has operated in Moss Side for the past 60 years and currently owns more than 1,100 homes in the area.
The population of Moss Side has grown by more than 20% in the past decade and there are more people on the priority list for social housing than in any other area in Manchester, according to MSV.
Once the plans for the sites have been developed, a formal consultation period will kick-off later this spring before plans are submitted to the council in the summer, MSV said.
Rachel O’Connor, development director at MSV, said: “We feel it’s vital that the local community helps to shape these exciting plans as much as possible.
“Over the next few months, we’ll be out in the community talking to as many people as possible about what they’d like to see and how they can get involved in shaping the proposals.”
Gavin White, executive member for housing and development at Manchester Council, said: “It’s important that we continue to invest in the future of our city by increasing the amount of affordable housing available across our neighbourhoods.”
MSV is currently in merger talks with fellow Manchester landlord Great Places Housing Group to create a 33,000-home association.
Charlie Norman, chief executive of MSV, said: “All being well, if the merger goes ahead, it could unlock millions of pounds in new money to invest in communities.
“Long-term plans such as these show that MSV’s work in areas such as Moss Side and our combined investment in the North will continue to be our priority.”
Ms Norman will lead the newly formed group if the merger with Great Places goes ahead.
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