Gorton playing fields lined up for 300+ homes – Place North West
Greater Manchester Youth Federation, Kellen Homes, and Centrepoint have published their plans to create new football pitches, a community hub, and a mixture of apartments and houses on the site of the former Mellands Playing Fields between Mount Road and Wembley Road.
Of the 304 total homes proposed, 36 would be independent living apartments to be managed by homeless charity Centrepoint.
The remaining 267 will be constructed by Kellen Homes, which will work with Southway Housing Trust to ensure that 60 of these homes are available for either shared ownership or social rent tenures.
Kellen Homes land director Mark Calvert said that these houses were “much-needed” in Gorton, and elaborated on their sustainability qualifications, adding that environmental sustainability was “at the forefront” of the developer’s priorities.
“The homes will boast enhanced insulation, promoting energy efficiency and cost reduction,” Calvert said. “Furthermore, our dedication extends to green initiatives such as tree planting and landscape enhancements, aimed at supporting local wildlife and biodiversity. We are also dedicated to improving walking and cycling routes, encouraging sustainable travel for a greener, healthier community.”
Greater Manchester Youth Federation will operate the proposed youth, sports, and community hub building. This facility will provide meeting spaces for community groups as well as an area for GMYF’s programme of activities. GMYF would also make use of the two football pitches included in the planning application, as would West Gorton Junior FC.
Asteer Planning, architect Studio KMA, and landscape architect Gillespies have been working with the three groups on the plans for the Gorton project. If planning permission from Manchester City Council can be secured, construction could begin in late 2024.
Karen Wilson, chief executive of GMYF, described the submission of the planning application as “a key milestone in our mission to create a vibrant and inclusive space for the youth and community in Gorton and surrounding areas”.
She added later: “Our proposals received a very warm welcome from the local community during our consultation earlier this year and we were astounded at the positive comments we received to create a new youth, sports and community hub in the area.
“By working in partnership with Centrepoint, Kellen Homes, and now Southway Housing Trust, we can put our youth, sports and community provision on a financially sustainable footing and ensure we have a positive, active presence in Gorton for generations to come.”
Please support our exceptional and ambitious proposals for the outstanding new facility by sharing our social media posts. This proposition will not only improve the lives of many young people local to Gorton but will benefit and reach many of our affiliated clubs and groups.
Here is the link to add your support to our application
https://pa.manchester.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=makeComment&keyVal=S5CVQ9BCH1W00
We will update our website with news of this progression, as it happens.