A transformational Rowlinson development

Rowlinson’s mixed tenure placemaking development, The Depot, catering for people at different stages of life is now complete creating over 300 new build homes.

Unrecognisable from the former bus depot brownfield site, the award-winning scheme is located off Princess Parkway in south Manchester with excellent transport links into the city centre.

The 5-acre project which reconnects communities separated by the former bus depot encompasses a range of types and tenures offering increased choice for a population that is both growing and ageing on the fringe of the city centre.

There are rented apartments, open-plan family homes and later living options including extra-care housing, over 55s apartments developed in line with HAPPI principles, as well as a number of step-down care options.

Rowlinson was both lead developer and main contractor for this regeneration project.

Sector specific expertise and financial input came from strategic partnerships with Rise Homes (market rented) and Moss Care St Vincent’s (affordable and later living solutions). Rowlinson successfully delivered larger family homes for owner occupation with Buttress designing all elements of the scheme.

David Chilton, Rowlinson’s managing director said: “The Depot is truly a development for all. We’re incredibly proud to have created vibrant homes for so many people, expanding the housing offer and delivering a space where different generations can live in homes that are specifically built to cater for their needs – whether that’s apartment living, larger family homes or assisted options for people with more complex needs.

“It’s a testament to partnership work and highlights the importance of placemaking in the context of regeneration.”

Apartments front the development forming the scheme’s highest point, in line with where the works’ clock tower once stood, with the scheme stepping downwards in height as it moves back to the rear of the site.

The family homes keep to the grid layout of the area whist filling the demand in the area for larger three and four-bedroom properties with open plan layouts.

The later living options are a concerted effort to improve both the number and quality of homes available to people aged 55 and over. Elmswood Park extra-care wraps around the communal garden, which also serves as a central community hub, in an environment actively designed to encourage interaction to combat loneliness. Stylish internal shared spaces and services, including a bistro and hairdresser, offer further opportunities for wellbeing and connectivity.

The scheme has already picked up the Inside Housing Development Award for Best urban development outside London, (2022) and the CIH Northern, Excellence in Community Investment, (2021).

Date published: 27/01/2023