Plans to build 350 new homes in Moss Side, including on the site of the old Reno nightclub, have been announced. The legendary underground club is one of four locations earmarked for development.
A neighbouring plot at Barnhill Street and land at Westwood Street and Raby Street are the others. Manchester council and housing association Mosscare St Vincent's say the proposals will bring 'much needed new homes' to the area.
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They say Moss Side's population has grown by 20% in the last decade and there are more people on the priority list for social housing than in any other area in Manchester. Coun Gavin White, executive member for housing and development said: "It's important that we continue to invest in the future of our city by increasing the amount of affordable housing available across our neighbourhoods.
"In the coming months we will turn to our community in Moss Side to help shape the future of this development, ensuring that their needs are at its heart."
The proposals also include a community space that will 'celebrate the area's heritage', while Greenheys Adult Learning Centre site could also be used for housing, with the services transferred to a new building at one of the four areas being developed.
A consultation period on the designs will begin later in the spring ahead of proposals being submitted council in the summer.
MSV development director Rachel O'Connor, said: "These are exciting times for the Moss Side area and the plans show our continued commitment to investing in the community, its rich heritage and supporting local people. We will also be investing millions of pounds in our existing Moss Side properties with our energy efficiency programme.
"This will ensure homes are safe, warm and affordable for our customers today and in the future."
The Reno was a haven for Manchester's Black community in the 70s and 80s, playing rare funk and soul records imported from America. Muhammad Ali and Bob Marley are both rumoured to have visited the basement club.
It closed in 1986 and the building was later demolished. It's now a patch of grass opposite the Heineken brewery.
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