Work begins on ‘transformational’ scheme

Plans to deliver new affordable housing in east Manchester have progressed after work started on site.

Great Places Housing Group has marked the start on site at its £21 million Grey Mare Lane development in Beswick, welcoming Manchester City Council leaders to the location.

The Coalbrook Court scheme will deliver 82 apartments for social rent, offering a mix of one and two-bedroom homes designed to meet local housing need.

Designed to enhance quality of life, the development includes private patios for selected ground-floor apartments, balconies for most upper-floor homes, communal landscaped spaces and a new pedestrian link between Grey Mare Lane and Ashton New Road.

Marking a key milestone for the area, the scheme is the first to be delivered under the wider Grey Mare Lane masterplan, approved in 2025, which will bring forward around 1000 new homes and new green spaces.

Coalbrook Court is funded by Great Places, supported by grant funding from Homes England and the Greater Manchester Combined Authority Brownfield Housing Fund, with construction delivered by Caddick Construction.

Alison Dean, chief executive at Great Places, said: “We’re delighted to start work on Coalbrook Court, which will provide much-needed affordable homes and play a key role in the regeneration of Grey Mare Lane. 

“This project reflects our commitment to working in partnership to deliver quality, sustainable housing that meets the needs of local communities.

“We’re proud to be working with Manchester City Council, Homes England, and GMCA to bring forward this first phase of development, which will set the tone for future investment in the area.”

Councillor Bev Craig OBE, leader of Manchester City Council, added: “The regeneration of the Grey Mare Lane estate will be a transformational programme of investment for this community. 

“And it is great news that we can celebrate the first project starting on site that will see 82 more social rent homes for local people.

“Major investment over the last two decades has put east Manchester on a global stage and now is the time that Grey Mare Lane is given the focus it deserves to meet its massive potential. 

“We have big plans for this neighbourhood, and this is just the first of a strong pipeline of projects that will come online across the estate that will see more than 1000 new homes built in the coming months and years – with a keen focus on social housing and genuinely affordable housing.”

Dave Saville, regional managing director at Caddick Construction North West, added: “We’re proud to be working with Great Places and Manchester City Council on this important regeneration project. 

“Coalbrook Court represents more than just new homes; it’s about creating a vibrant, sustainable community that will benefit local residents for years to come. 

“As the first contractor to break ground in the Grey Mare Lane regeneration masterplan, we understand the importance of setting a strong benchmark for all future development in the area. 

“Our team is committed to delivering high-quality construction that supports the long-term vision for Grey Mare Lane.”

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