Manchester City Council affordable housing project to be showcased at CIH

Published by Max Salsbury for 24dash.com in Housing and also in Development

An affordable housing project commissioned by Manchester City Council is to be showcased at this week’s Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) event.

The project represents the first affordable housing commissioned by Manchester City Council in 30 years.

Following their delivery of 32 sustainable bungalows across six sites in North Manchester, architects Bowker Sadler were commissioned by Manchester City Council to deliver the £22.9 million project, providing 171 new homes on four sites across West Gorton.

Now near completion, the West Gorton development incorporates a range of housing options including 124 two-bed apartments, six bungalows and 41 houses. The project was designed in consultation with the local community, to cater for their specific housing needs.

The West Gorton project has been built with sustainability in mind, with all housing completed to Code Level 4. Roof-mounted solar panels and air source heat pumps provide the housing with up to 10% renewable energy.

Recycling facilities were also incorporated into the design, with separate provision within kitchen units and conveniently located undercover, well lit bin stores to the apartments. Secure cycle storage was included for each home, to encourage sustainable travel.

Jim Cope, Chair of Phoenix Tenants and Residents Association, said: “I’ve lived in a tower block in West Gorton for over 10 years and moved into my new home in May. I’ve seen this develop from the germ of an idea right through to its fruition and feel very proud.”

Paul Jeffrey, Director at Bowker Sadler, commented: “It was important for us to absorb the views of the community at every stage. This was achieved through regular attendance at steering group meetings, drop-in events and workshops, so that a consensus of preferences could be incorporated into the design of the housing. Tenants were also offered input into the design of their individual property, through kitchen and bathroom choices. ”