Manchester City FC legend Mike Summerbee will join City Council leader Sir Richard Leese on December 4 to officially launch development at the club’s former Maine Road site.
Manchester City FC legend Mike Summerbee will join City Council leader Sir Richard Leese on December 4 to officially launch development at the club's former Maine Road site.
The development, called the Maine Place, is being built by Lowry Homes Plc and consists of 440 new homes of advanced design, ranging in size from one bedroom apartments to four bedroom properties. It will act as a catalyst to the regeneration of Moss Side and Rusholme.
Former England international Summerbee will release 1,000 'football' balloons, assisted by local primary schoolchildren, to commemorate the site's history.
Sir Richard will cut a ribbon to open the on-site marketing suite ahead of the beginning of sales on December 5.
Local residents are being given priority to purchase during the first period of sales and can apply to be considered for assisted purchase schemes. Once the local sales priority period is complete Lowry Homes will roll out a full marketing programme in February 2008.
Residents at The Maine Place will enjoy the benefits of not only innovative housing, designed with excellent "green" credentials, but also new community facilities, including a new school which will merge St. Edward's RC School with Bishop Bilsborrow RC Primary. It is also hoped to deliver a new health centre. Residents of the area will also be employed in construction of the development through a local labour scheme and public art, including a piece commemorating the former stadium's centre spot, will be incorporated in the development.
Sir Richard said: "Maine Road has a fascinating history, of which Mike will forever be a part, and an exciting future. This development will improve housing quality and choice in the area, for the benefit of current and future residents alike. It's taken a lot of hard work to reach this point and I'm delighted to be here as the development is launched in earnest."
The opening will be attended by senior management from Lowry Homes Plc, key figures from Manchester City Council and national regeneration agency English Partnerships, plus local residents representatives and pupils from the area's primary schools.
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