Masterplan for West Gorton approved by City Council

The masterplan for West Gorton by architects BDP on behalf of developer consortium BASE, a joint venture between Artisan and Barratt, has been approved by Manchester City Council’s Executive.

BASE will continue to work with urban regeneration company, New East Manchester, to drive the regeneration project forward and prepare a planning application which is expected to be submitted to Manchester City Council this summer.

Across a 52 hectare (128 acres) area just one and half miles from Manchester City Centre, the plan includes refurbishment of 250 existing homes, 1,200 high quality new houses and apartments. Other proposals include new shops, a medical centre, a primary school and a community park with play and sports facilities.

Manchester City Council executive member for neighbourhood services, Councillor Eddy Newman said: "We have started the process of transferring existing Council owned homes to a 'not-for-profit' housing association to fund the improvements needed for homes to reach the Government's 'Decent Homes Standard'. However, urban renewal is not just about up-grading housing. This initiative is part of a comprehensive regeneration of the area that will create a sustainable community with a range of new amenities that will improve the lives of local people."

Eddie Smith, acting Chief Executive for New East Manchester Ltd, said: "We have undertaken extensive consultation with local residents over the past year including a series of open days and face-to-face interviews to gather their views. We have listened to their comments, particularly the preference to building new home using traditional materials and design. Residents were particularly pleased with the inclusion of gardens for all family homes, the new shopping and community facilities and improvements to street lighting. With the support of residents, we can now continue to progress the plans to dramatically improve this important part of east Manchester."

Carol Ainscow, Chairman and Chief Executive of Artisan, on behalf of BASE and Artisan said: "We share New East Manchester's vision for the future of West Gorton, and are delighted to be preparing a planning application. Artisan is passionate about the regeneration of West Gorton, and we look forward to working with New East Manchester and the people of West Gorton to deliver both a place and a community of which we can all be very proud."

For more information call BASE on 0161 909 5207 or Housing Market Renewal on 0161 234 1494.

For more information visit http://www.neweastmanchester.com/

Media contact:

Roz Hughes, tel: 0161 223 1155