Kellen Homes has signed the deal to buy land in Gorton which gives the green light to over 300 new, sustainable homes and a community centre, sports hub, and two new football pitches.
This week, Kellen has exchanged contracts on the land at Mellands Park in Gorton, Manchester. The development of 303 new homes is being brought forward by Kellen Homes in partnership with Greater Manchester Youth Federation and Centrepoint and will include new football pitches, a community hub, and a mix of apartments and houses on the site of the former Mellands Playing Fields between Mount Road and Wembley Road.
Of the 303 planned homes, 36 will be independent living apartments to be managed by specialist charity Centrepoint. The remaining 267 will be built by Kellen Homes with Southway Housing Trust managing 60 of these homes to make them available for either shared ownership or social rent tenures.
The homes will be eligible for green mortgages because of their excellent energy rating level and come with energy-efficient appliances, LED lighting, photo voltaic roof panels, waste water heat recovery system, and electric vehicle charger points.
Kellen Homes Land Director Mark Calvert said of the deal: “This is an important step in bringing forward these quality, sustainable homes in Gorton. Not only are the houses incredibly energy efficient, qualifying them for green mortgages, but we have also worked hard on the overall development design including tree planting and landscaping specifically designed to enhance local wildlife and biodiversity, and added walking and cycling routes.”
And he added: “Our partnership with Greater Manchester Youth Federation, Centrepoint and Southway Housing Trust allows the scheme to deliver affordable housing and excellent new community facilities which are so important to the overall health and quality of life of local people, as well as a financial contribution to a number of off-site playing facilities and an investment in biodiversity net gain at Godfrey Ermen playing fields.”
Greater Manchester Youth Federation will operate the youth, sports, and community hub building. This facility will provide meeting spaces for community groups as well as an area for GMYF’s programme of activities. GMYF and West Gorton Junior FC will use the two Football Association standard football pitches included in the planning application.
Subject to planning permission from Manchester City Council, construction could begin in late 2024.
*Images are indicative of the Mellands Park site.