Affordable flats are on the horizon for Manchester's Northern Quarter as the council has unveiled plans to transform long-abandoned industrial sites. The redevelopment scheme for 126 new apartments proposes that only a fifth of the homes will be offered at affordable rents, with the rest set at market rates.
This City, the council's development arm, has cleared old light industrial buildings on Postal Street, off Newton Street, which had stood vacant for years. New consultation sketches reveal an eight-storey building proposal, comprising 70 one-bedroom and 56 two-bedroom flats, alongside commercial units on the ground floor.
Gavin White, executive councillor for housing and development, said: "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.
"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."
Although just 20% of the homes are guaranteed to be affordable - a higher proportion than many private developments - no specific price has been set for Manchester Living Rent. The council has confirmed, however, that housing benefit will cover the costs, reports .
Similar projects have already been developed in Monsall, Longsight, and Ancoats, with the latter also featuring a new public park.
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