Plans have been revealed to build over 240 homes and a 'new sports and community hub' on former playing fields in Manchester.
The proposals have been unveiled for Mellands Playing Fields in Gorton by the Greater Manchester Youth Federation (GMYF) - a charitable organisation that has been providing vital youth services to young people in Greater Manchester for over 110 years.
They say the proposals would help keeps youths of the community active and help families who are currently struggling with the cost of living crisis. Alongside the houses, the plans would also see two new football pitches built which GMYF say would be used by local clubs, including West Gorton Junior FC.
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In full, the plans for the former Mellands playing fields site, situated between Mount Road and Wembley Road, include:
- Two new grass football pitches and changing rooms.
- New sports and community hub buildings for youth and local community.
- 36 independent living apartments for young adults leaving the care system.
- 246 new homes delivered by Kellen Homes with a 'mix of tenures' including affordable housing.
In collaboration with Centrepoint and Kellen Homes, GMYF says the proposals would ensure a 'community-led future' for the site that will put it back into use and offer a number of advantages to everyone in the neighbourhood.
Karen Wilson, Chief Executive of GMYF said: “The youth of Manchester are at the heart of our proposals, and we believe that the new youth, sports and community hub will provide fantastic benefits for the local community in Gorton.
“The new building will provide a home for our extensive programme of youth-focused activities, which will run in the afternoons and evenings after school and provide safe spaces for young people.”
Sally Orlopp, Director of People, Property and Independent Living at Centrepoint, said: “By working in partnership with GMYF in Gorton, we are able to help meet the housing needs of young people in Manchester by giving them a home which can act as a stepping-stone into longer-term independent housing.
"Our Independent Living Programme is tackling the shortage of quality genuinely affordable accommodation head-on at sites across the UK and means that young people who might be a risk of homelessness are instead able to have the key to their very own front door."
Mark Calvert, Land Director of Kellen Homes added: “We’re delighted to be working with GMYF on the proposals for Mellands Playing Fields, which will deliver much-needed new homes for Gorton alongside a host of new community facilities and wider benefits.
"The new homes we’re proposing will be in a mix of sizes and tenure types to suit first-time buyers, growing families and downsizers."
The consultation will be open until Tuesday 6 June 2023, allowing members of the local community to see the proposals and provide feedback.
Drop-in session:
Tuesday 23 May 2023 (Gorton Library, 27 Garratt Way, Manchester, M18 8HE) - 11.30am to 2.30pm
For those who cannot attend in person, you can review and comment on the proposals via the consultation website: www.mellands-consultation.co.uk.
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