North West housing JV to transform derelict Bayer site near Altrincham

Trafford Housing Trust and property firm Wates Living Space Homes are teaming up to deliver a raft of new homes across the North West.

The strategic housing joint venture’s first project will be the redevelopment of the derelict Bayer industrial complex in West Timperley, near Altrincham, transforming the abandoned 3.5-acre plot into 33 family homes and 29 apartments.

Known as Stonebrook, the scheme will be accessible via a newly built bridge over the A56.

Work on phase one of the development will complete in 2017 and be marketed under the Laurus Homes banner.

In addition to the new homes, Trafford Housing and Wates will work together to offer business, training and employment opportunities linked to Stonebrook, including the creation of jobs, apprenticeships and work experience placements.

Further, local firms and social enterprises will be able to bid for work on the development through the procurement strategy.

Trafford Housing Trust’s deputy chief executive, Larry Gold, said: “We’ve worked closely with Wates Living Space Homes on a number of major projects over recent years and this new joint venture will build on that experience.

“It also reflects our progressive, partnership approach to housebuilding; working with commercial developers and others to help accelerate the pace of new home delivery in Trafford and beyond.”

He added: “By embracing a profit-for-purpose approach to development we can also help tackle the issue of local housing need while still fulfilling our primary role as a champion of social justice at grassroots level.”

Joanne Jamieson, the managing director of Wates Living Space Homes, commented: “Our business has a long-established reputation in sourcing innovative means to address the evolving needs of the housing sector.

“Through our strategic development partnerships with housing associations and local authorities, we bring 119 years of house building expertise to address the UK’s urgent need to deliver more homes for affordable rent and sale.”

Joanne continued: “Our joint venture with Trafford Housing Trust will be a partnership that will serve to accommodate the rising demand for high-quality and efficient homes, whilst also providing a vital catalyst to unlock further regeneration.”