Greater Manchester could see the construction of nearly 30,000 new homes following a move by regional leaders to establish new 'development corporations'.
A total of 27,250 homes are slated for development across three 'mayoral development zones', spanning seven boroughs.
These zones will be overseen by three 'mayoral development corporations' (MDCs), which are public bodies responsible for guiding private development and building infrastructure.
While two MDCs were already in operation, council leaders voted on Friday (June 27) to extend their tenure and create a new corporation, which will ultimately lead to the construction of 17,000 new homes.
In addition to these development zones, thousands more homes are expected to be built in other areas across Greater Manchester. According to Andy Burnham, the creation of the new Old Trafford MDC and the renewal of the existing Stockport and Northern Gateway MDCs will aid in the region's efforts to overcome the housing crisis.
In a statement, Mayor Burnham said: "Because of the decisions we've taken, Greater Manchester is now building more affordable homes than at any point since the turn of the millennium.
"We need to keep building on that momentum until we reach a tipping point where we build more social homes than we lose.
"We're determined to ensure that every person in Greater Manchester has access to the safe and secure home they need in order to thrive."
The Northern Gateway MDC encompasses areas of Bury, Oldham, and Rochdale, with plans for 2,750 homes in Heywood, Pilsworth, Simister, and Bowlee. The Stockport MDC, responsible for the town centre's development, has seen its programme triple in size, with aspirations to double the number of homes from 4,000 to 8,000.
Mark Roberts, leader of Stockport Council from the Liberal Democrat party, expressed satisfaction at a recent Greater Manchester Combined Authority meeting: "We are really pleased to see this work progressing though the MDC. It shows what you can achieve working in a cross-party way in the town centre."
The Old Trafford MDC includes areas surrounding the proposed site for Manchester United’s new 100,000-seat stadium. Despite Mayor and Chancellor Rachel Reeves prohibiting the use of public funds for the stadium itself, Mr Burnham has indicated support may come for essential infrastructure for local housing.
It is anticipated that the Old Trafford MDC could bring approximately 17,000 new homes, significantly impacting not only Trafford but also neighbouring communities in Salford, Moss Side and Hulme within Manchester.
Manchester Council leader Bev Craig said "It's one of the city-region's major growth locations.
"This is a long-standing plan the boroughs of Trafford and Salford have had for their areas. They have brought it to the Combined Authority to supercharge it.
"This is specifically agreeing in principle an MDC for the regeneration of the Old Trafford area. This is asking to go out to consultation. Hulme and Moss Side will be looking on with great interest to what's happening at their front door."
Trafford leader, Tom Ross, added: "This is an opportunity for so many people, not just in north Trafford, but in Salford and Manchester. We are at very early stages. This is the most appropriate vehicle to take this regeneration forward."
Once an MDC is established, it's common for officials to collaborate with the private sector to develop new housing projects, which will then be submitted to individual councils for planning permission.
