Affordable flats are set to come to the Northern Quarter after the council announced plans to redevelop long-derelict industrial buildings.
However, the council’s proposal for 126 apartments currently only guarantees a fifth will be available at affordable rents, with the remainder let at market rates. This City, the authority’s development company, has already demolished light industrial buildings on Postal Street, just off Newton Street, which have been empty for decades.
In their place, sketches from a new consultation show an eight-storey block will be constructed, featuring 70 one-bed apartments and 56 two-bedroom flats. There will also be commercial space on the ground floor.
READ MORE: It was a ‘no go’ Greater Manchester estate – now there’s a waiting list and holiday homes
READ MORE: Trains STOPPED near Stockport with lines shut after person dies
“This City is an innovative way of increasing the number of homes built on council land – building the homes we know our residents want, including affordable homes, on our own terms,” Gavin White, executive councillor for housing and development, said.
The industrial buildings on Postal Street were empty for years and have now been demolished -Credit:Copyright Unknown
“We are now moving ahead with the fourth This City site in the heart of Manchester’s famous Northern Quarter where we are looking to build high quality, low carbon homes – and at least 20 percent will be capped at the Manchester Living Rent, creating more choice for more of our residents to live in the city centre.”
“I would encourage as many people as possible to find out more and take part in the consultation. Gathering feedback from people who live and work in the area is a vital part of the process and will help guide the final proposals ahead of a planning application.”
While only one-fifth of the properties are guaranteed to be affordable, this is often far higher than th epercentage in private developer projects, which is usually zero.
No price tag has been placed on Manchester Living Rent, the council says it will be covered by housing benefit. Other This City projects have been developed in Monsall, Longsight, and Ancoats — which will also feature a new park.
The public consultation on the Postal Street plans is open until February 2. You can have your say online here, email info@postalstreet-consultation.co.uk, or drop into a consultation event at 4-7pm on January 23, inside The Studio, 51 Lever Street, M1 1FN.