Clarion secures planning permission for 100% shared ownership development in Manchester city centre

Clarion Housing Group, the UK’s largest provider of affordable housing, and H2O Urban have been granted planning permission for a new city centre residential development where 100% of the homes will be for shared ownership – a first for Manchester.

Located between Store Street and the Ashton Canal within the Piccadilly Basin regeneration area, the development will comprise 63 one- and two-bedroom apartments and three two-bedroom townhouses with many benefitting from private outside space. Residents will also have access to a communal roof terrace, providing a place to meet, relax and take in the views of the canal and the city centre.

Designed by Manchester-based AHR Architects to complement the historic features around the site, the new residential building will be 11 storeys at its tallest point dropping down to four storeys fronting the canal, with detailing and materials to reflect and respond to this setting. The development will also provide car parking, along with access improvements for vehicles and cycles and car-free access to the city centre.

The development has a Gross Development Value (GDV) of over £18m. Work on site is due to begin in early 2021 with the first residents expected to move into their homes towards the end of 2022.

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

“Following extensive consultation with the local community, we’re delighted to have been granted planning permission and look forward to working with H2O Urban to bring this exciting new development to life."

“Shared ownership can provide a way for people to get on the property ladder with a lower deposit, providing an affordable route to home ownership. This new development will help expand the options available, enabling people to put down roots and make a life for themselves in this vibrant and popular city.”

Richard Thomas, director at bloc which co-owns H2O Urban with the Canal & River Trust, said:

“Our aim at H2O Urban is to create unique waterside developments which balance local, historical and environmental sensitivities. Our scheme at Store Street epitomises this ethos, and will deliver a canal side building of exceptional quality in the heart of Manchester city centre. Importantly, our partnership with Clarion means that we can offer a broader range of people the opportunity to own a waterside home.”

Cllr Suzanne Richards, Manchester City Council's executive member for housing and regeneration, said:

“Developing genuinely affordable homes in the city centre is a real challenge and it's very welcome to see developers work with us to build the homes that Manchester people need."

“As Manchester continues to grow, it's vital that homes are available across different tenures and price points to meet demand. This development will offer a chance to purchase in the city centre through shared ownership, providing an attractive, affordable route on to the property ladder.”