Affordable housing for key Radcliffe gateway site

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

The proposal is to redevelop the site of the former leisure centre in Green Street to deliver 133 new homes, of which 75% will be affordable.

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

The council’s cabinet, at its meeting on 13 October, will be asked to approve the project which be delivered by Watson Homes, a regional housebuilder with a track record of delivering affordable housing across Greater Manchester.

The development is proposed to be a mix 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.

The site is currently being used by the NHS as a Covid-19 testing centre, and will continue to be until it is no longer required.

Councillor Clare Cummins, cabinet member for housing services, said: “Our housing strategy aims to develop 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.”

Rob Watson, director at Watson Homes, said: “We have a longstanding commitment to building affordable homes and, in doing so, collaborate closely with our partners, supply chain and local people across the North West. It’s great to work with Bury Council to help bring its ambitious regeneration vision for Radcliffe to life.”

The proposed disposal of land is subject to planning permission, and an application is expected to be submitted before Christmas.

Council leader Eamonn O’Brien said: “This is a key site in the Radcliffe Regeneration Framework. This initiative will provide people with much-needed new homes, and create new employment opportunities – and all on a brownfield site too. I would like to thank Watson Homes for their ambitious plans on this site and for showing the potential we can unlock in Radcliffe through our regeneration efforts.”

Across the wider North West, Watson Homes has completed 516 affordable homes and currently has 531 under construction, with more than 1,000 expected to go to site during 2022-23.

ENDS

Press release issued: 8 October 2021.