Plans unveiled for eco homes in east Manchester » Environment » 24dash.com

Plans for over 400 high quality new homes by the Ashton Canal in Clayton, east Manchester, just two miles from Manchester City Centre, have been unveiled by New East Manchester in partnership with housing developers, New City Vision (NCV), and Manchester based architects and urbanists, MBLA.

In total, the environmentally-sustainable scheme will have 211 two, three, and four bedroom houses and 196 two and three bedroom apartments, built in three phases.

Work is due to start this Autumn on Phase One of the scheme which will comprise 84 houses, 50 apartments in four blocks and 2 commercial/retail units. This phase will have a strong environmental focus.

The houses, which will meet high environmental standards, are also aiming to attain an EcoHomes / BREEAM rating of ‘’very good’’ and the apartment block in the eco park should gain an “excellent” rating.

The centrepiece will be a well managed and maintained eco park, providing substantial wildlife habitat, that will not only ensure the biodiversity of the area is improved, but will allow the opportunity for a larger range of species to be introduced to the area.

The apartment block overlooking the canal will be next to an area of woodland containing native species of trees including willow, silver birch and alder. The eco park will also include a wildflower meadow and hawthorn, holly and willow hedgerow.

In addition New City Vision will work with British Waterways to enhance the canal by introducing a well lit canalside walkway with attractive seating. The apartment blocks are next to pedestrian and cycle routes which will eventually connect the development with the city centre.

The two and three storey houses will predominately be clad in brick with attractive glass windows, incorporating contemporary timber and steel materials, giving the scheme a distinct architectural look.

The properties will have large windows, winter-gardens or balconies, small front gardens, generous back gardens or roof terraces and are designed to be flexible and adaptable to allow for the owners changing lifestyle.

Phase two will include a community park in the centre. Similar to historic Georgian squares, it will provide a fenced, secure green space for the local community to relax and play.

Catering for children of all ages, there will also be a children’s play area at the eastern end of the scheme designed for 3-12 year olds and a recreation area for 12-16 year olds with an all-weather surface at the western end, near the planned Metrolink station.

Tom Russell, Chief Executive for New East Manchester Ltd, said: “Phase One of the redevelopment has been designed to reflect the wishes of the existing residents. There was a strong preference to use of brick, large windows and flexibility and extendability of design, which has been achieved. The designs also incorporate pleasingly high environmental standards meaning the properties will have the benefits and comfort of a modern, energy efficient, cost effective home. The scheme also benefits from plenty of public open space, secure play areas for local children and a tram stop which will be part of the planned Ashton Metrolink extension.”

Bob Millar, Director, for NCV said: “The new development will provide a pleasant, green and secure environment for residents with easy access to the city centre. High quality, environmentally sustainable homes are at the very forefront of our strategy and the development will help raise the profile of the area as a desirable and attractive place to live.”

Damien Bourke, Policy and Partnerships Manager for the NWDA, said: "The Government's Housing Market Renewal Programme is making inroads into tackling housing market failure in the East Manchester. The construction of the eco-friendly, high quality new homes will significantly improve the quality and diversity of the local housing stock while the wider plans to include an eco park and modify the canal area will enhance the area for the benefit of the local residents. All this will contribute to making East Manchester an attractive place for people and families to come and live.”

The regeneration of Eccleshall Street is a key project to restructure the housing market in East Manchester and is supported by the Manchester Salford Housing Market Renewal Pathfinder (MSP).

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