Wythenshawe plans for 422 affordable homes

The transformation of Wythenshawe town centre has reached a new milestone as three planning applications have been submitted for a total of 422 affordable homes, marking the first major residential phase of the £500 million regeneration programme.

The applications—submitted by Wythenshawe Community Housing Group in partnership with Manchester City Council—cover three locations across the town centre: Brotherton House, Alpha House, and C2 The Birtles. All proposed homes will be available for social rent and designed to meet high standards of energy efficiency, accessibility, and community integration.

The housing proposals form part of a wider 10–15-year masterplan to deliver up to 2,000 new homes, along with new community spaces, green infrastructure, and commercial uses aimed at revitalising Wythenshawe’s civic core.

Brotherton House, a former office building, will be converted into 216 homes. This includes an extra care apartment block comprising 109 units for older residents and those living with dementia, plus 81 general needs apartments and 25 family townhouses. The site will also feature landscaped gardens and green spaces to support biodiversity and resident wellbeing.

Alpha House, currently undergoing demolition, will be rebuilt to offer 125 one- and two-bedroom apartments, including 16 wheelchair-accessible units. Meanwhile, C2 The Birtles—adjacent to the former market square—will see the redevelopment of existing retail and office space into 81 new apartments with active ground-floor commercial frontage.

This initial housing phase complements ongoing investment in Wythenshawe’s Civic centre, which includes the construction of a new food hall and workspaces, a forthcoming Culture Hub, and upgrades to public realm and landscaping. These elements are supported by £20 million in Government funding and a further £11.9 million from Manchester City Council.

Joe Stockton, Development Director, described the planning submissions as “a huge step forward” for the long-term vision of Wythenshawe. “These new homes are central to creating a thriving, inclusive town centre,” he said.

Cllr Bev Craig, Leader of Manchester City Council, emphasised the focus on long-term affordability. “The town centre is the beating heart of this community,” she said, “and that means building homes that are affordable to as many people as possible, creating a sustainable community of people who are proud of where they live.”

Andrea Lowman, Executive Director of Development at Wythenshawe Community Housing Group, added: “This phase will bring forward homes that support residents at every stage of life, creating a strong foundation for a vibrant, sustainable town centre.”

Subject to planning approval, the developments will form the cornerstone of Wythenshawe’s wider regeneration, with the ambition to create a mixed-use, multi-generational neighbourhood anchored by high-quality affordable housing and enhanced civic infrastructure.