New Affordable Housing Development Announced for Birley Fields in Hulme

A developer has been appointed to create a new 100% affordable neighbourhood at Birley Fields in Hulme, following extensive engagement with local residents and stakeholders to ascertain their priorities for the site. The initiative aims to address the pressing need for affordable housing in the area, which has been a significant concern for many residents.

Green community space is central to the development, which promises to enhance biodiversity across the site. Plans include a new garden space, while existing trees will be preserved and celebrated, reflecting a commitment to environmental sustainability.

After a rigorous two-stage bidding process, Glenbrook has been selected as the preferred developer. The ambitious programme aims to deliver a residential-led development featuring genuinely affordable housing. The final tenure mix is expected to encompass options such as social rent, affordable or discounted rent, and affordable home ownership, with specifics to be confirmed as proposals are refined.

Engagement with local residents and stakeholders is set to continue into early 2025, aiming to foster meaningful and long-term community involvement that will guide future investments at the site. This process has already highlighted several shared priorities, including a strong demand for affordable housing accessible to those on lower incomes.

Key community desires also include the creation of walking and cycling routes throughout the development, the protection of mature trees, and improvements to biodiversity. There is a clear preference for ground-floor spaces that support local and independent organisations, complementing existing businesses in the area. Furthermore, a low-carbon approach is a significant theme, with plans for net-zero-ready buildings.

The current proposals outline an ambition to deliver 293 affordable homes, catering to a variety of housing types to meet local needs, alongside new high-quality public spaces. These proposals are still in development and may evolve as designs are refined through ongoing engagement and the planning process.

Utilising modern construction methods, the development will adopt a fabric-first, low-energy design approach, incorporating technologies such as air source heat pumps and solar panels to contribute to a low-carbon build.

A focal point of the scheme will be the Birley Community Garden, envisioned as a vibrant shared space for growing food, informal play, community activities, and enhanced biodiversity. A clear strategy for achieving biodiversity net gain has been established, including a combination of on-site enhancements supported by an ecological assessment.

Extensive planting will create ‘ecological corridors’ throughout the site, fostering a welcoming green environment and enhancing local biodiversity. The design promotes a largely car-free layout, bolstered by improved walking and cycling routes, reflecting community priorities for safety and clean air.

Shared streets are expected to encourage neighbourliness, fostering a sustainable long-term community of residents. Additionally, a new community corner will provide space for a future creative hub and neighbourhood workspace, with specific uses to be determined through ongoing engagement.

The development is also anticipated to generate significant social value, linking with local organisations to support community-led initiatives. Collaborations with groups such as Sow the City, which will assist in designing green spaces, and Venture Arts, which will contribute a mural celebrating local creativity, are already in the works.

Moreover, the scheme is expected to create 71 new full-time jobs and support an additional 90 roles. A Hulme bursary through Regeneration Brainery will provide an employment pathway into the construction industry for local young people, further enhancing the project’s community impact.

Glenbrook will now focus on refining the emerging designs ahead of further public engagement, which will include the establishment of a Community Engagement Collective to provide local insights and guide proposals before a formal planning application is submitted.

Cllr Bev Craig OBE, Leader of Manchester City Council, expressed enthusiasm for the project, stating, “The Birley Fields site has been an underused site for many years, so it’s great to see proposals emerging with the level of ambition and vision that is being developed, as well as a clear commitment to improving biodiversity across the site.”

Craig added, “Importantly, genuinely affordable homes – including social rent homes – are at the heart of this scheme, including quality green spaces and opportunities for the local community to come together. This approach has been guided by local people and it’s important that we continue to engage in the neighbourhood as the plans develop further.”

Jamie Sutton at Glenbrook shared his excitement about the project, stating, “We’re excited by the opportunity at Birley Fields and delighted to continue our partnership with Manchester City Council as their selected development partner.” He emphasised the importance of community spirit in Hulme, noting, “As a developer, we are acutely aware of the responsibility we hold in delivering such an important scheme, one that provides considered architecture and public realm whilst responding to the needs of the wider community.”

Jamie concluded, “Over the coming months we will be reaching out and consulting with key stakeholders across the ward as we develop our initial concept in preparation of a planning application later this year.”