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News17 June 2021

Latimer acquires Manchester city centre site with ambition to deliver 60% affordable scheme

The new site in Manchester will create 442 apartments as well as commercial space.

Latimer, the development arm of Clarion Housing Group, has acquired a 1.24 acre brownfield site in Manchester, continuing the Group’s investment in the city and demonstrating its commitment to providing much-needed affordable homes.

The site is part of the former Boddingtons Brewery located on Great Ducie Street, adjacent to Manchester Victoria station and within walking distance of the city centre and its shopping, business and leisure amenities.

It sits within a wider mixed use redevelopment plan which includes a brand new city centre campus for The Manchester College and UCEN Manchester providing state-of-the-art specialist facilities for courses linked to the digital and creative sectors from September 2022.

60% affordable housing

The proposed scheme comprises 442 one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments, of which 60% will be affordable housing including a mix of social rent, affordable rent and shared ownership, as well as 6,000 sq. ft. commercial space. The ambition is for residents to benefit from communal lounges and workspace, with many homes having private balconies alongside communal roof terraces and high quality public realm.

Given its location, the site will provide connections for walking, cycling and public transport, enabling residents to access amenities and employment opportunities within Manchester’s vibrant city centre.

Work on site is expected to begin mid 2022 subject to planning.

“Our scheme is part of a masterplan that will see the delivery of new high-quality homes in close proximity to all that the city has to offer.”

Richard Cook, group director of development for Clarion Housing Group

Richard Cook, group director of development for Clarion Housing Group, said:

“We’re delighted to have acquired this important site in the centre of Manchester that will enable us to deliver much-needed affordable homes, with 60% of the homes we build being recognised as such."

“Our scheme is part of a masterplan that will see the delivery of new high-quality homes in close proximity to all that the city has to offer, from bars and restaurants to local employment opportunities and the specialist technical education and training facilities provided by The Manchester College, creating a thriving new neighbourhood.”

John Thornhill, CEO of the LTE Group, said:

“We are delighted to complete on the sale of this land adjacent to our new landmark City Campus Manchester which will welcome its first students in September 2022. City Campus Manchester, combined with this new housing development, creates a fantastic opportunity not only to regenerate an area of the City but provide much needed opportunities for residents to learn, live and contribute to the economy of the City."

“This is a fantastic example of partnership working across the City and will see hundreds of new affordable homes being developed to support the City’s housing need. The sale to Latimer will bring a wealth of experience in providing both affordable and private housing to Manchester and will enable a new community to be placed in a prominent city centre location energising the area for all.”