Work on a £4m project to bring new homes and shops to Manchester’s Brunswick estate has started… seven months ahead of schedule.
Thirteen houses which stood on Stockport Road have been demolished, making way for the next phase of development which will breathe new life into the area as part of an overall £106m masterplan.
S4B Manchester – the consortium behind the regeneration scheme – has rehoused all of the residents from the thirteen properties locally, in either new or refurbished houses or apartments. It means they can all remain in the area, close to family and friends.
Great-grandmother, May Dunphy, 74, is one of those who has moved and is now living happily in her new two-bedroom house on Statham Road.
“At first it came as a real surprise that I was going to have to move out,” said May. “But as I was told about the plans right from the start, I had plenty of time to adjust and get used to the idea.
“Now I have moved I could not be happier – I really love my new home. The old place really was getting very tired and dated and I am so looking forward to this brand new chapter in my life”.
The new £4m building on Stockport Road and neighbouring Polygon Street, opposite the O2 Apollo, will include 18 two-bedroom flats, a new S4B neighbourhood office and new shops, also available for rent.
Construction work has started on site and will take until autumn 2017 to complete, with Polygon Street closed until then. When it is re-opened additional car parking spaces will be available.
S4B is also working with Manchester City Council to make sure that cycle lanes are provided. Plans for the development will be updated to reflect this and published on the council’s website for residents to be consulted for their views – here.
Since the launch of S4B in January 2014, other improvements made in Brunswick as part of the £106m masterplan include:
- 65 homes in both Lockton Court and Lamport Court have been created following conversion or refurbishment work by S4B, with new kitchens, bathrooms, windows and balconies installed. The high-rise blocks also benefit from refurbished lifts, car parks and communal areas.
- Similar improvements are being carried out at two further blocks – Silkin Court, which is due for completion this autumn, and Artillery Court which is due to be finished early next year.
- Refurbishment of 475 other homes, including new bathrooms, kitchens, windows, doors and other improvements.
- To date, 41 new council homes have been built for rent and 62 new homes have been built for sale.
- Completely revamping a multi-use games area in Gartside Gardens and installing a new purpose-built play area for the under-10s at Glenbarry Close.
- Supporting many local people into work and trainee courses.
Gavin Mackinlay, Chair of the S4B Board added “We are delighted that new shops, neighbourhood office and much needed council homes can be delivered ahead of schedule.
“This building is a key milestone in the regeneration of the Brunswick neighbourhood and one which we hope will bring lots of benefits for the local community”.
The scheme is being delivered for Manchester City Council by S4B, a consortium involving contract manager Equitix, housing association Contour Homes, maintenance specialists Mears and construction firm Galliford Try.
For more information please contact S4B Manchester on 0300 555 0128 or visit the Facebook page.
Pictured – May Dunphy (right) with her daughter Sandra and great-grandson.