Plans for 422 new homes for social rent take a major step forward

We’re proud to share that, together with Muse and Manchester City Council (MCC), we’ve submitted three planning applications to develop several areas around the town centre that will deliver much-needed social rent homes for our communities.

Following recent public consultation, feedback from residents has been carefully reviewed to ensure the planning applications reflect local priorities and aspirations.

The plans represent the first phase of housing within the wider masterplan, which will see up to 2,000 new homes created over the next 10 to 15 years, alongside new community facilities, green spaces and places to work and socialise.

Subject to planning approval, Wythenshawe will see Brotherton House, Alpha House and C2 The Birtles, transformed into a mix of apartments and townhouses aimed at local people with differing requirements. All the homes will be affordable, high-quality and energy-efficient, with additional outdoor and communal spaces to promote interaction, health and wellbeing.

Brotherton House, a former office building, will be transformed into 216 new homes, including an extra care apartment building with 109 homes for people in later life and those living with dementia. The plans also include 81 apartments and 25 two- and four-bedroom townhouses, with new landscaped gardens and green spaces to encourage local wildlife.

Currently under demolition, Alpha House will be rebuilt to provide 125 one- and two-bedroom apartments, including 16 wheelchair accessible homes.

At C2 The Birtles, next to the former market square, existing retail and office space will be replaced with around 81 one- and two-bedroom apartments, alongside new ground floor retail space to complement the wider Civic offering.

Cllr Bev Craig, Leader of Manchester City Council, said: “Delivering truly affordable homes – with a focus on social rent housing – was one of our key priorities when we set out the vision for the long-term transformation of Civic.

“The town centre is the beating heart of this community, and that means building homes that are affordable to as many people as possible, creating a long-term sustainable community of people who are proud of where they live.

“These planning applications represent an exciting milestone for Wythenshawe – and it’s great to be working alongside Wythenshawe Community Housing Group to realise these important developments.”

Our executive director of development, Andrea Lowman, said: “We’re delighted to see the first phase of new homes progressing, marking a major step forward in delivering the high-quality, affordable housing that local people have told us they need.

“This phase will bring forward homes that support residents at every stage of life, creating a strong foundation for a vibrant, sustainable town centre that meets the needs of our communities now and in the future.”

Joe Stockton, Development Director at Muse, said: “This is another huge step forward for Wythenshawe. These new homes are central to creating a thriving, inclusive town centre. We’ve worked closely with the community to understand what people want, and we’re proud to be moving forward with plans that reflect that feedback.”

This first phase of new homes will complement the wider investment currently underway in Civic, which has been supported by £20 million of Government funding and £11.9 million from Manchester City Council. The works include demolishing the former Peacocks unit to begin works on the new food hall and workspaces, preparatory works for the new Culture Hub, as well as improvements to the outdoor spaces in Civic, including new paving, planting and landscaping, all designed to create a greener, more welcoming town centre.

Residents can stay up to date with the latest news and progress on the regeneration by visiting Wythenshawe Town Centre.