Maine Road, South Manchester
Background
In July 2003 Manchester City Council became the owners of Maine Road Stadium in Moss Side as a result of the relocation of Manchester City Football Club to the new City of Manchester Stadium in East Manchester. Working to support the council, English Partnerships became a key-funding partner to assist with the former stadiums demolition and site clearance in order to create an outstanding regeneration opportunity.
The site 6.25 ha (15.5 acres) is strategically located less than 500 metres from Princess Road – the most significant gateway route to Manchester linking the city centre directly to the suburbs of South Manchester, an international airport and the national motorway network.
The area surrounding the existing stadium is almost entirely occupied by housing. Nevertheless much of it is either rented from the council, housing associations or private landlords meaning that there is a very limited choice for those who wish to purchase a home in the area.
This is a unique opportunity to extend, add value to, and restructure the housing market within Moss Side. The Manchester/Salford Housing Market Renewal prospectus sees Moss Side as a high priority for pathfinder intervention in South Manchester in 2003-2006.
The Regional Economic Strategy reinforces the importance of linking areas of opportunity and need and of tackling the problems of ageing infrastructure, redundant buildings, poor environment and housing as a contribution to broader economic regeneration. The demolition and redevelopment of the Maine Road Stadium will help meet the RES objectives of sustainable, well-designed and affordable new homes within urban areas.
Current Status
Following the launch of a development brief in June 2004, Lowry Homes were selected to provide a high quality mixed housing scheme, over a three to five year time frame.
The site will provide around 400 new houses and apartments for a broad range of occupiers – large family units, key worker accommodation and first time buyers. It is anticipated that an element of social rented housing will be provided.
The design and construction of the housing will be of the highest standard and will address current issues of sustainability and construction techniques, meeting English Partnerships Eco-Homes “very good” standard.