Kestrel blight takes flight

An eyesore former pub and two derelict shops will be demolished and the site incorporated into a housing development which is contributing to the regeneration of North Manchester.

The derelict Kestrel pub in Hugo Street, Moston, and neighbouring empty shops have been a blight on the area since it closed around three years ago despite the efforts of Manchester City Council to work with the building's owners to ensure it kept safe and clean.

But Manchester City Council has stepped in to buy the site, with the support of local councillors, and it will now be cleared and used for housing as part of a wider Redrow Homes development of affordable homes in Moston and Harpurhey.

The cost of the purchase is being met through the Homes and Communities Agency's new growth points fund, which is being managed by the Manchester-Salford Housing Market Renewal pathfinder, and Redrow will fund demolition work.

The first two phases of the development, Hanson Gardens and Kenyon Gardens, are already underway. Nearly 20 homes have already been sold and the first residents could move in before Christmas.

Manchester City Council is administering a scheme which enables buyers to defer 25 per cent of the the initial purchase price for up to 10 years as an equity loan.

The loan is interest free and the scheme is designed to ease the transition for buyers from renting or living with family to owning a home of their own. Through the scheme a two-bedroom home on the market at £104,995 can be bought for an initial £78,746 and a three-bedroom property priced £129,996 for an initial £97,496.

Sir Richard Leese, leader of Manchester City Council, said: "These derelict units were causing a blight on this important site and giving a poor first impression of the area.

"This development is a part of our strategy to ensure North Manchester is a popular place to live by improving housing quality, choice and affordability. I'm pleased that this site will now be able to make a positive contribution towards that goal."

Subject to planning approvals, Redrow hopes to build a further seven to 10 homes on the former pub site, bringing the total number of homes in the first part of this regeneration programme to more than 400.

Christine Aitken, sales director for Redrow Homes (Lancashire) said: "We're delighted that the Council has taken positive steps to incorporate the former pub into the regeneration plans. There's no doubt it was detracting from the work we have already done together with the Council to improve this area."

The Kestrel pub site will be incorporated into Hanson Gardens, where Redrow has opened three fully-furnished show homes. The site complements considerable investment which has already taken place in the area. It is close to the Moston Lane and North City shopping and services centres, Manchester College's Moston campus, North Manchester Sixth Form College and several schools - all of which have been the focus of significant investment - and Moston Sure Start Centre. It is also near Central Park, where a new Metrolink stop is being created. The Council has also supported the creation of the Ben Brierley Legal Advice Centre and repairs to Simpson Memorial Hall.

The Council is currently working on a masterplan for the wider Moston Lane area, which will guide further improvements.

Demolition is expected to start early in 2011.

For more information call Redrow on 0845 670389 visit the development or log on to 
 
www.redrow.co.uk/developments/hanson-gardens