Mosscare Housing’s Greenheys development in Moss Side, Manchester, has scooped the award for best residential scheme in the North West at the annual Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors awards. The scheme beat off competition from a number of other housing associations and private developers to win the prestigious award. Designed by architects, the Bernard Taylor Partnership, it was developed by Mosscare Housing with Rowlinson Construction and employers’ agents, Appleyard and Trew.
Rob Ferguson, Mosscare’s Chief Executive, said: “The scheme has been fully supported by the Homes and Community Agency and Manchester City Council, who saw the site’s significance on the southern approach to the City Centre. The award also recognises Mosscare’s contribution to the regeneration of the wider Moss Side area that goes back forty five years.”
The site of the development actually goes back to Victorian times - Elizabeth Gaskell refers to ‘Green Heys Fields’ at the start of her novel Mary Barton. However, the scheme’s design belies its historical links and features a distinctive wedge-shaped form and leaning corner towers. It is set around two landscaped squares and does not differentiate the properties based on tenure.
The striking design has not been at the expense of meeting the practicalities of family life. Homeowner, Sadia Zia, said: “It really is my dream-house, it’s the right size for my family and very bright. We’ve got secure parking and my children can play outside so I’ve got peace of mind on that front as well.”
