The Ben Street regeneration project in east Manchester has begun to welcome new residents to the east Manchester neighbourhood.
By the end of the year, the project will see 62 empty homes acquired by the City Council refurbished as well as facelift works to another 151 properties, with other improvement to the street and public areas, including works to shared alleyways.
The works are being carried out by Wates Living Space and the first 24 homes have now be handed over to the first lucky residents.
The properties meet Manchester’s affordability definition and in addition, One Manchester has bought and is refurbishing five more properties in the area for affordable rent, which will be let through Manchester Move to people on the city’s housing register.
Shehed Albarzanji, 23, moved on to the Ben Street area from Gorton with her partner and two children in late September and is already enjoying the community feel of the area.
She said: “It’s everyone’s dream isn’t it, our home is beautiful. The house was ready to just move in and make a home.
“It’s taken us a long time to find a home as nice as this. The kids love it – they love coming home to a new house.
“There’s nothing not to like – the school is right next door, so there’s no excuse for being late!
“There needs to be more projects like this. In the first two days our neighbour had sent over food – it’s great.”
