By Sarah Macklin 
Manchester City Council has announced plans to release more council-owned land to support the construction of hundreds of new social and affordable homes across the city.
The move is part of a long-term partnership with the Manchester Housing Providers Partnership (MHPP), aimed at ensuring housing in Manchester remains accessible to those who need it most.
The latest phase of development will see more than 700 new homes built over the coming years. This initiative contributes to the city’s ambitious 10-year Housing Strategy, which aims to deliver at least 10,000 social, council, and genuinely affordable homes by 2032, including 3,000 in the city centre.
By working with the MHPP, the Council is able to make use of surplus parcels of land to deliver homes that reflect local demand. Over the past three years, housing associations within the partnership have delivered around 90% of the city’s affordable housing, offering rents capped at social levels or the Manchester Living Rent.
Since the Housing Strategy was adopted in 2022, more than 1,750 affordable homes have been completed, with another 1,500 currently under construction and 2,250 granted planning permission.
Several key projects are included in the new phase:
- Broadmoss, Charlestown* – Legal & General will deliver 271 homes, combining social rent and shared ownership options.
- Viadux 2, Deansgate – Salboy will construct a 133-apartment tower offering social rent apartments in the city centre.
- Alexandra Road, Moss Side – Legal & General will develop 64 apartments capped at the Manchester Living Rent, responding to high demand in the area.
- Gransmoor Avenue, Openshaw – Southway and JMM will provide 51 social rent homes, helping to address shortages in areas impacted by Right to Buy sales.
- Former Levenshulme Baths – Legal & General will transform a long-disused site into 34 Manchester Living Rent apartments.
- Project 500 Phase 2 – Across 12 sites in north and east Manchester, Great Places, MSV, and Onward will deliver 160 homes, exceeding the original 500-home target.
*Cover image above shows the plans for this development
Looking ahead, the executive committee will also discuss further investment in Gorton Town Centre, where Clarion plans to build 400 additional homes.
Council leader Bev Craig said the programme represents a major step forward in meeting Manchester’s housing needs.
“We are delivering on our commitment to increase the number of affordable homes in the city, including social housing. More affordable homes are being built on council land than at any point since 2015, and the strong partnerships we have with housing providers are enabling us to exceed our targets.
“Providing council-owned land for development is a proven way to create new housing opportunities. Through this latest programme, including the ambitious plans in Gorton, we have unlocked more than 1,000 affordable homes just this month alone.”
