Rowlinson selected to deliver scheme

69 new low carbon homes will be built on Silk Street in Newton Heath bringing a long-term brownfield site back into use, with Rowlinson appointed to deliver the scheme.

The development land is bound by Smallwood Street, Great Newton Street, Droylsden Road and the Rochdale Canal, and will deliver homes across a range of sizes to meet demand in the area.

Every home in the development will be for social rent and will include 16 apartments for people over the age of 55.

The development will include:

– 36 one-bedroom apartments

– 12 two-bedroom apartments

– 17 two storey, three-bedroom houses

– 4 three storey, four-bedroom houses

Ample off-road parking will be included in the development, including private driveways for the houses.

Each of the apartments will have a balcony and living walls will provide a green aesthetic to the development, along with shared outdoor green space.

The houses will have generous gardens and solar panels, while the apartments will feature living green roofs as part of the project’s low carbon commitment.

This will also include the use of Ground Source Heat Pumps, electric vehicle charging points, and mechanical ventilation with heat recovery to keep utility costs down for residents.

David Chilton, managing director, Rowlinson, said: “These new homes really will have it all. As well as being offered for social rent, each one will come with fantastic green credentials.”

The design will be informed by the history of the Newton Heath, celebrating the brickwork that characterises the local area.

A planning application for the development is expected to be submitted later this year.

The development is being part funded through the Government’s Brownfield Land Fund, which will help deliver 522 new homes on disused land across the city over the next five years.

The City Council has committed to supporting the delivery of at least 6,400 affordable homes for Manchester people between 2015 and 2025.

This is at least 20% of the total pipeline of 32,000 homes expected to be built during this period – and the Council is on track to exceed the affordable homes target up to 2025.

Cllr Suzanne Richards, Manchester City Council’s executive member for housing and regeneration, said: “This development encompasses many of the key priorities that we have as a city in developing new genuinely affordable homes for our residents.

“We are bringing disused, brownfield land back into use that would otherwise be difficult to develop. The scheme will create 69 social homes to help meet rising demand in the city. And the design and construction of these homes has low carbon principles at its heart.

“At a time when it is ever more difficult for Councils to build homes directly, this development shows our very real commitment to build homes – often in innovative ways – to meet the needs of Manchester people.”

David Chilton, managing director, Rowlinson, said: “These new homes really will have it all. As well as being offered for social rent, each one will come with fantastic green credentials. There will also be a range of sizes available, including larger family houses and later living options, addressing the needs of the community.

“Rowlinson is proud to be working with the Council in delivering this much-needed housing. Where possible, our plans will include supporting local suppliers, recruiting local labour and recycling waste materials. We will submit a planning application in due course.”

Date published: 26/03/2021