Levenshulme demolition makes way for new homes
Demolition starts at derelict Levenshulme engineering works to make way for new homes. One Manchester calls on new GM mayor to prioritise housing as construction begins.
Demolition work has begun on a disused engineering works in Levenshulme which will be transformed into Manchester’s first ‘rent to buy’ housing scheme.
Housing and community services provider, One Manchester, announced earlier this year that the former Atlas Engineering Works on Chapel Street would be developed into 14 shared ownership and 50 rent to buy homes.
Developer, Mulbury, has now begun work at the derelict site to make way for a mixed development of apartments and houses suitable for singles, couples and families alike.
It is understood that this will be one of the first locations in Greater Manchester where prospective homeowners can benefit from ‘rent to buy’, a new government scheme which allows people to rent a home at a discounted rate initially while they save the deposit needed to buy the home.
It comes as One Manchester takes part in a week of campaigning calling for Greater Manchester’s first mayor to prioritise housing and deliver more desperately needed affordable homes.
The housing provider is partnering the National Housing Federation to push the matter to the top of the political agenda ahead of the mayoral election on May 4. It argues that the people in Manchester are in desperate need of homes, citing new research which has identified housing as a top priority for voters in Greater Manchester.
One Manchester’s group chief executive, Dave Power, was joined by Deputy Leader of Manchester City Council Cllr Bernard Priest at the Chapel Road site to raise awareness of the campaign and highlight the shortfall of affordable homes in Greater Manchester. Dave Power said; “I’m delighted that work has begun on this new development which will bring desperately needed affordable homes into this great suburb of Manchester and enable people struggling to get together money for a house deposit to have their dream of home ownership realised.
“One Manchester is committed to building 1,000 new homes by the end of 2021 which meet the different needs and aspirations of Manchester residents, and this particular scheme will also offer a range of options for those looking for affordable, secure rented accommodation .
“While we know One Manchester can help make a significant difference, we are calling on the support of our new Greater Manchester mayor to ensure they listen to the people and ensure housing is a top priority. The mayor will have a vital role to play in tackling the housing crisis and housing providers want to work in partnership with the elected candidate to grow the local economy, invest in infrastructure, create jobs and deliver vital affordable housing where it is needed most.”
Housing provider One Manchester recently secured a £22.8m funding boost from the government’s Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) to build 765 affordable new homes in south and east Manchester over the next five years, including homes for shared ownership and rent to buy.
Katie Teasdale, North West external affairs manager for the National Housing Federation, said: “Housing associations in Greater Manchester like One Manchester built over a third of all new homes in the area between 2011 – 2015 and they will continue to be an essential part of solving the housing crisis here.
“We want everyone in Greater Manchester to have a home they can afford and housing associations are ready to work hand-in-hand with the new mayor to provide the homes that make Greater Manchester a great place to live.”
The Chapel Street development in Levenshulme is due for completion at the end of 2018.
For more information on this or other One Manchester homes to buy or to rent, please email oneliving@onemanchester.co.uk.