Affordable housing for key Radcliffe gateway site

Thursday, 5 October 2023 16:45

By David Murphy

New affordable homes are to be built in the heart of Radcliffe and help drive forward the regeneration of the town centre.

The brownfield site in Green Street, where the former baths stood and used more recently as a car park, will deliver 132 new homes, of which 97 will be affordable.

The development will also include a standalone private rented block and a mixed-use commercial building for new offices and ground floor retail/food and beverage units.

Councillor Clare Cummins, cabinet member for housing services, said: “We need a range of housing across the borough that can meet the needs of all ages, family size and income. With such a high percentage of affordable housing, this site at Green Street will be perfect for smaller households and young people.”

Council leader Eamonn O’Brien said: “This is a key site in the Radcliffe Regeneration Framework, and a gateway to the town centre.

“Our plans for the town’s transformation are really gathering pace, with work starting soon on the new Civic Hub, transport improvements and the new high school opening next autumn.

“This development will provide people with much-needed new homes, and create new employment opportunities – and all on a brownfield site too.”

The development will feature a mixture of 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom apartments that are designed for the needs of smaller households not currently served by the family-orientated suburban housing marketplace.

Bury Council has worked in partnership with Watson Homes, a regional housebuilder with a track record of delivering affordable housing across Greater Manchester, and work is expected to start on site this winter.

Nick Gornall, director of development at Great Places, said: “We’re delighted to be part of this exciting regeneration project in Radcliffe, which will provide 97 high-quality, affordable homes for local people. We have ensured a variety of tenure to provide choice and flexibility for future customers.

“As a leading housing provider in the North West, we’re committed to delivering our ambitious development programme and creating great places to live which complement regeneration schemes in town centres. Partnership working is crucial to this, and we look forward to working with Bury Council and Watson Homes to bring this scheme to fruition.”

Rob Watson, director at Watson Homes, said: “Addressing the housing needs of the town to provide locals with affordable housing options is our top priority at Radcliffe.

“As well as affordability, the development was planned with sustainability and energy efficiency at the forefront. The homes will integrate cutting-edge technologies, such as air-source heat pumps and solar PV panels, ensuring they are environmentally friendly.

“As a key gateway site into the town, Green Street will help to create a prospering community with a mixed-use development comprising offices, retail and food and beverage units. We are looking forward to seeing how this development contributes to the wider regeneration works to unlock the potential of the town.”