A contract has been signed to agree S4B as the chosen consortium to deliver the 25-year regeneration plans in Brunswick – confirming the long awaited transformation of the area.
S4B is a new consortium that was created specifically to drive the development, made up of four specialist organisations who will input their expertise in different areas of the project.
This major project milestone marks the end of a long period during which Brunswick residents have waited patiently for the £100m regeneration plans to come to become reality.
The plans include building more than 500 new family homes – 200 council homes and more than 300 homes for sale – work due to begin immediately in the new year and building works summer 2014. It is hoped the first new council homes will be ready for tenants by spring 2015 and the first homes for sale by summer 2015.
The new homes represent a prompt response to delivering Manchester’s residential growth strategy, adding much need quality housing to the city’s stock in areas where people want to live.
Resident consultation and surveys have already started in the community, which aims to ensure refurbishment work on the first of more than 650 council homes can begin in the new year, which will include new kitchens and bathrooms for each property.
To improve both safety and neighbourhood layout, more than 100 properties will also be reversed, reconfiguring the homes so the front door will now lead on the public highway – as opposed to alleyways.
The regeneration plans also include new road links, an enhancement of Gartside Gardens, a new play area on Glenbarry Close and new community allotment area and orchard.
The community will also welcome a new retail area with local shops and amenities, along with a new neighbourhood office and 60-bed sheltered accommodation and day-care centre.
Over 60 residents have already signed up to S4B’s Opportunity Club aimed at helping local people access local employment and training opportunities, as well as apprenticeship schemes over the full course of the regeneration programme – and across a range of disciplines within construction and maintenance.”
Cllr Nigel Murphy, Manchester City Council’s executive member for housing and regeneration, said: “Contracting S4B officially to the Brunswick PFI scheme marks the end of a long journey for local residents who have waited many years for their regeneration plans to become a reality. But this milestone also marks the beginning of an exciting chapter for the community who are looking forward to a much welcomed transformation of their neighbourhood.”
Judith Winterbourne, managing director of Contour Homes, said on behalf of S4B: “We are extremely pleased to reach this significant milestone as we are eager to get the wheels rolling on our regeneration plans for Brunswick. Preparation works have been taking place recently in anticipation of this moment but now that the contract has been officially signed we can look to commence works on site early in the New Year.”
Ray Nelson, Chair of Brunswick Tenants and Residents Association, said: “The people of Brunswick have waited patiently for these plans to become reality, but our residents can now look forward to a bright new future. On a more personal note, I am sincerely welcome the opportunity to work with our new friends at S4B.”