Bricking it

The first milestone has been marked for the Openshaw housing scheme in east Manchester with tenants being invited to lay the first bricks

A major new housing development in the Toxteth Street neighbourhood of Openshaw in east Manchester reaches its first milestone as residents are invited to lay the first bricks. The development comprises a range of 390 two and three storey townhouses, 36 two bedroom apartments and 6 bungalows.

Lovell regional director, Nigel Yates said: "It's fitting that residents have been invited to help lay the first bricks for this scheme which has been designed in close partnership with the community in order to meet the needs of local people and contribute to the ongoing regeneration of the area."

The £65m scheme, covers 10.3 hectares (25.5 acres) and is within two and a half miles of Manchester city centre. Designed by architects, PRP, the scheme represents a modern interpretation of traditional terraced streets and will be built to the Council's 'Design for Access' space standards.

The first phase will comprise 83 homes including 65 two, three and four bedroom houses and 18 two bedroom apartments. The houses will be a mixture of private housing available for purchase through the developer, Lovell, and social housing available for rent through Adactus Housing Association. Secure parking, traffic calming measures and local amenities have also been incorporated into the plans.

Eddie Smith, acting chief executive of New East Manchester said: "These modern homes are designed to be energy efficient, cost effective and more comfortable than the traditional terrace properties they are replacing. We have consulted with residents over the past few years to develop a scheme that best meets the needs of the local community. To see the first houses start to take shape is very pleasing and marks an important milestone on the regeneration of this part of Openshaw."

Paul Lees, Chief Executive of Adactus Housing Group, added: "This is a major regeneration project which we are pleased to be involved in. As part of the partnership, Adactus has been involved in resident consultation and it is great to see that resident and future tenants have and will continue to be included throughout the progress of the scheme."
The redevelopment of Toxteth Street is one of a number of major initiatives underway in east Manchester to restructure the housing market in the area, backed by funding through the Manchester Salford Housing Market Renewal Pathfinder.

Councillor Eddy Newman, Executive Member for Neighbourhood Services, Manchester City Council, said: "The construction of these new, high quality homes in Toxteth Street is a significant milestone in our plans to increase the choice of housing on offer in east Manchester. These plans are delivering real, tangible benefits for local residents who have shown such a strong commitment over time to their area - their vision for Openshaw as a successful neighbourhood offering a range of housing options is now a step closer to being realised. "

National housebuilder and housing regeneration specialist, Lovell, together with PRP Architects and Adactus Housing Association are all partners in the Toxteth Street neighbourhood development scheme.

The first homes are due for completion in Autumn 2008.

Other regeneration schemes in the Openshaw area of east Manchester include the new health centre which opened last year, a £40m district centre and Sporting Edge community sports facility.