Great Places Housing Group has formally submitted plans for the first development to come forward under the newly approved masterplan for the regeneration of the Grey Mare Lane neighbourhood in east Manchester.

The proposal outlines a new affordable housing scheme comprising 82 apartments for social rent, to be constructed on a vacant site at the corner of Grey Mare Lane and Ashton New Road. The brownfield site was previously home to the Manchester Bar pub, which was demolished in 2020.

The planned development will include a mix of one- and two-bedroom apartments, with features such as private garden spaces for select ground-floor homes, a communal garden, balconies for most upper-floor units, and high-quality landscaping throughout. The scheme also includes a new pedestrian link aimed at improving connectivity from Newcombe Close to Grey Mare Lane and Ashton New Road.

The project has been developed in close collaboration with Manchester City Council, One Manchester, and This City, and forms a key part of the broader Grey Mare Lane neighbourhood masterplan, approved in September 2024. The long-term plan will deliver 1,000 new homes, including a substantial portion of affordable units, as well as new green spaces and community infrastructure.

Helen Spencer, Executive Director of Growth at Great Places Housing Group, commented: “We are delighted to submit our plans for the first of our planned affordable housing developments as part of the wider regeneration of the Grey Mare Lane neighbourhood. This project represents a significant step forward in our commitment to providing high-quality, affordable homes for the community in East Manchester.

“This development has been made possible through our close partnership with Manchester City Council, One Manchester, and This City. Together, we are dedicated to transforming the Grey Mare Lane neighbourhood into a vibrant and sustainable community. We look forward to seeing these plans come to fruition and making a positive impact on the lives of local residents.”

The development is the first of two proposed developments in the area to be delivered by Great Places, with details for a second affordable homes development on a site on Sunny Lowry Road expected to be submitted next year.

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