MSV Housing’s new ‘HAPPI’ development in South Manchester was launched today by Councillor Bev Craig, Councillor Gavin White and the Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham,
Cllr Bev Craig and Andy Burnham buried a time capsule to commemorate the occasion, created by the residents at neighbouring Elmswood Park extra care scheme.
Bowes House offers 40 high quality 1 and 2 bedroom apartments as shared ownership for the over-55s and is MSV’s fourth HAPPI scheme, designed to adapt over time to meet the changing needs of the occupants.
This is the latest MSV development at the award winning 5 acre Stagecoach site (now known as The Depot) in Whalley Range. Working in partnership with Manchester City Council and Homes England, MSV has played a key role in providing suitable homes at The Depot for every stage of life, from young families needing contemporary homes to the older generation wanting to live independently but with support in beautifully designed spaces.
The 40 apartments at Bowes House have been designed and built to meet the ‘HAPPI’ (Housing our Ageing Population Panel for Innovation) design principles, ensuring they are adaptable and accessible with plenty of space, natural light and communal areas. Each apartment incorporates stylish open plan living and large private balconies. There is also a shared roof terrace and beautifully landscaped gardens at the scheme.
The homes are all available for shared ownership, which enables people to buy a share of a property and pay a subsidised rent on the remaining share, a scheme which offers a route into affordable home ownership whilst helping those who may wish to ‘rightsize’.
Delivering the new HAPPI scheme has seen MSV invest £5.6m in Bowes House with £2.2m funding from Homes England.
The entire Depot site now provides over 200 homes including 30 family homes for shared ownership and 72 apartments at extra care scheme Elmswood Park, which offers a high standard of on-site support from housing management staff and a consistent care service for customers who need it, helping to relieve pressure on residential care settings.
Total Investment by MSV on The Depot has been £18.4m with funding from both Homes England and Manchester City Council totalling £9.07m.
Cllr Gavin White, Manchester City Council’s Executive Member for Housing and Development said:
“Having visited this scheme a number of times during the build, it’s fantastic to be here to celebrate the opening and to begin welcoming the first residents into the homes. The Bowes House scheme is a great example of bringing brownfield back into use to meet the housing needs of our residents.
“We understand the need to deliver high-quality affordable homes that are designed specifically for older people in the city, providing an attractive option for housing later in life. In fact, since 2015 more than 700 affordable properties for older people have either been built or are in the pipeline in Manchester – and we welcome the addition of these homes that will be available to Manchester people.”
