Manchester plans refurb project for vacant properties

As demand for homes continues to increase, Manchester City Council has announced plans to undertake major refurbishment works to transform the Ben Street residential area.

Due to start soon, the scheme will include full refurbishment of 62 currently vacant properties, with plans to provide re-roofing works, energy efficiency upgrades and new fully-fitted kitchens and bathrooms, as well as facelift works to another 151 properties, covering window and door replacements and improved guttering, with other improvements to the street and public areas, including works to the shared alleyways, also in the pipeline.

Once completed, the empty homes being refurbished will be managed by One Manchester and will be affordable to Manchester people, using the Manchester specific definition of affordability.

Bernard Priest, deputy leader of the council, said: “Renewing the city’s housing is a key element of our housing strategy, enabling us to use our resources most effectively to keep up with demand for high quality homes. We have been very successful in bringing Council-owned empties back in to use, but this scheme sees us acquiring long-term empties to make sure the city’s current housing stock is being utilised. The Ben Street area is already brilliantly serviced with great transport links, leisure facilities, school and shops, so we have an opportunity here to deliver a really successful neighbourhood.”

Dave Power, chief executive of One Manchester, added: “Working together with the city council means we can bring these much-needed former homes back into use. We want to make sure our residents will have a home in a growing and thriving area, that they can rent for the long term.”