Manchester Councillors have visited the newly completed homes and community centre at Bennett Street as developers Kellen Homes handed over the houses to Sigma - a major operator in the UK built-to-rent sector, this week.
The team at Kellen Homes were joined by local councillors Tina Hewitson, Abdigafar Muse and Amna Abdullatif, and Councillor Gavin White, executive member for housing and development, as they presented the final sets of keys of the completed homes to Sigma Capital Group who will manage the houses and rent out the homes under their build to rent (BTR) brand, Simple Life.
These homes are the final part of a scheme which has created 172 houses and 100 apartments, an area of public green space and a community centre with parking and disabled parking for local people, developed at the former Olympic Freight depot on Bennett Street, Manchester. The development, The Gateway, is a mix of detached, semi-detached homes and apartments and has been brought forward as the latest new neighbourhood in the partnership between Sigma and Kellen Homes.
Cllr Abdullatif said of the development: “It is positive to see a site that was a dumping ground, brought forward for the modern new homes that local people need. The key is making sure those homes are affordable for the people who want to live in the area.”
And Cllr Muse added: “We welcome the addition of open space in the development. It makes the development feel spacious and it is good that there is space for people to enjoy.”
Cllr Hewitson said of the development: “The community centre is a vital resource for the people who live here. It creates a community hub and support for local groups that is much needed.”
Laura Moreland, Head of Land and Partnerships at Kellen Homes, said of the handover: “It’s a pleasure to welcome the councillors to mark the handover of the final homes at Bennett Street and this vital community centre, which both form part of a scheme which is helping to provide new, accessible homes in Manchester for the people who need them.
‘By once again partnering with Sigma, we are able to bring forward a vibrant, new neighbourhood to an area of Manchester where people want to live.”
Lee Catterall, Development Director at Sigma Capital commented: “We’re delighted to see this milestone reached, with the development now complete and ready to welcome more residents. Through our brand and integrated operational platform, Simple Life, we create flexible housing solutions that give local renters access to modern, high-quality homes, supported by a professional and resident-focused management service. We’re proud to offer a seamless renting experience, from move-in through to day-to-day management, helping established communities continue to grow and thrive. Ideally located for easy access to Manchester, residents can enjoy the benefits of city living alongside well-designed, pet-friendly homes, private gardens and dedicated parking, all at no additional cost. “
The community centre will be run by 4CT, a charity focused on working with people, neighbourhoods and communities across Greater Manchester through the development of services, partnerships and community facilities to improve opportunities and quality of life for residents.
