A Manchester youth charity’s long-term future will be safeguarded by the sale of land for housing.
Anwyl Homes’ new development, off Wilbraham Road, Chorlton, will bring 65 much needed new and affordable homes to the area, while The Greater Manchester Youth Federation (GMYF) will use monies from the land sale to reinvest in local youth facilities across Manchester.
The charity supports approximately 30 clubs across the city region.
Karen Wilson, chief executive of the GMYF, said: “The positive ripple effect from the sale of this site by the GMYF will be felt for decades to come. It’s brought huge social value, delivering affordable homes, and generating cash to reinvest straight back into youth services in Manchester.
“Every penny will go back into providing facilities for young people in our community. It’s ensured our charity will remain sustainable long-term so we can continue offering vital provision, including youth centres and sports facilities, to give young people positive, safe places where they can spend time.
“Even before the land sale was completed, we’ve been able to plan ahead, knowing this funding for our future was guaranteed. It’s given us greater independence, in place of the uncertain existence charities such as us face when relying on grant funding.
“Enormous benefits are reaching other areas of the city including our centres in Partington and Charlestown.”
Anwyl was selected as preferred development partner for the site, formerly known as Harry Dalton Fields, in 2022 after a competitive tender process. Planning permission was granted in October 2023.
Work has now started on new development, which will be named Dalton Fields, a nod to its history. The venture will include three and four-bedroom homes for private sale plus 13 affordable homes, seven of which will be designated for social rent and six for shared ownership. The homes will all be highly energy efficient, using air source heat pumps to provide heating and hot water in place of traditional gas boilers, and each will have an electric vehicle charging point.
Redevelopment of this redundant parcel of land has been able to unlock wider community benefits of almost £558,000 with the funding committed as part of the planning agreement. This will go towards a new 4G football pitch at the neighbouring St Margaret’s Centre and Playing Field, where an orchard will also be enhanced to encourage biodiversity.
Funds are also earmarked for Maine Road FC, who play at the adjacent Brantingham Road ground, Alexandra Park, and South Manchester Cricket Club.
