The scheme, which is being delivered by a partnership of Kellen Homes and Greater Manchester Youth Federation (GMYF), alongside Great Places Housing Group, Sigma Capital Group and Centrepoint, will bring a welcome boost to the local community.
Construction is now underway on the 303 new homes, 36 of which will be independent living apartments for 16-to-25-year-olds leaving care, managed by the youth charity Centrepoint. A further 60 will be affordable homes made available through Great Places for shared ownership and social rent. The remaining 207 will be for private rent by Sigma Capital Group under their build to rent (BTR) brand, Simple Life.
Greater Manchester Youth Federation will be building two, new, full-size grass football pitches, a combined netball and basketball court and a new youth and community hub. The sports facilities will be used predominantly by local grass roots football clubs for young people and GMYF affiliated clubs.
Following commencement of construction, the organisations involved recently visited the site to view progress so far.
Chief Executive of Kellen Homes, Ian Kelley, said “Mellands Park represents the spirit of our drive towards development through partnerships here at Kellen Homes and I am delighted to see the construction taking shape on this once-in-a-generation neighbourhood with superb sporting and community facilities for local residents and people across the wider area.”
Karen Wilson, Chief Executive of GMYF, said she was delighted to see this important new scheme taking shape. She commented: “It’s great to see the reality of the regeneration of Mellands playing fields after so much hard work and planning. These new facilities are much needed and anticipated by the local community and will help to create an exciting and inclusive space encouraging sport and engagement for young people in Gorton and the surrounding areas.”
Nick Gornall, Director of Development at Great Places, added: “We are pleased to see this latest partnership with Kellen Homes coming to life. Mellands Park not only addresses the pressing need for affordable housing in the area but will also look to enrich the community with vital sports and recreational facilities.
“We’re committed to creating sustainable and inclusive neighbourhoods, and this initiative perfectly aligns with our values to support and uplift local communities.”
Lee Catterall, Development Director at Sigma commented: “We’re looking forward to offering renters of Gorton a high quality, professional approach to renting, bettering their housing options locally and considerably contributing to the housing market demands.”
Sally Orlopp, Director of People, Property and Independent Living at Centrepoint, said: “Our Independent Living Programme is designed to tackle the shortage of quality, genuinely affordable accommodation. It will mean that young people who might be at risk of homelessness, are instead able to have the key to their very own front door and it’s great to see that vision become a reality on this site.”
