Over £100 million awarded to regenerate Brunswick

Over £100 million has been awarded to regenerate the Brunswick area under the government’s Housing Private Finance Initiative (PFI).

This money will be used to improve council homes on the Brunswick estate, build new family houses and apartments, improve the area's infrastructure and provide a safe and attractive environment for people to live.

Councillor Eddy Newman, Manchester City Council's executive member for neighbourhood services, said: "Manchester City Council has a good track record in delivering successful housing PFI projects. We will be transforming Brunswick into a successful neighbourhood where people enjoy living, working and visiting."

The regeneration project will take around three years to plan before improvements can start. The private sector will be invited to submit outline proposals for improvements to Brunswick with a short-listed group asked to submit detailed plans later in the year. From this group a suitable partner will be chosen, with signing of the contract planned for 2010.

The work is likely to be delivered by a partnership of companies including a neighbourhood manager responsible for all aspects of tenancy and estate management, a contractor to carry out construction work and refurbishment, and a bank to provide financial support.

The council will still own the homes and set the rents and tenants will retain all their current rights such as the right to buy.

A local group of residents and councillors will be set up to help guide this major regeneration project. The group will be involved in the ongoing programme and will play a key part in developing the project.

Improvements to Brunswick are already starting with work on the construction of a new £5 million primary school (Medlock Primary School) now underway. This will replace the current infants and juniors schools. The new community primary school on Wadeson Road will have 420 places and also include a 60 place nursery. The building will also include a new Surestart Children's Centre and community facilities. It is due to be completed in spring 2008.

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