Housing Renewal and Development Projects
The Masterplan identified that tackling the 1400 deck access flats, contained within 24 blocks up to five storeys high, that dominated Castlefields would be crucial to transforming the neighbourhood.
Existing residents told us that the deck access flats created an intimidating environment, didn't make attractive homes and they weren't suitable for people with physical disabilities. The blocks were also attracting a transient population, giving rise to socio-economic problems and creating management issues.
At the heart of the housing renewal programme is the desire to safeguard and strengthen the existing community. This is being achieved through a development process which allows local people to remain within Castlefields as the neighbourhood transforms.
The partnership is also delivering the redevelopment of the existing local centre, into a new community hub, containing a vibrant mix of shops, homes, community centre and health centre, set around a public square. Find out more about the new local centre.
Achievements
So far approximately 971 deck access flats (15 blocks) have been demolished with a further 272 (5 blocks) scheduled for demolition by 2014. These have been replaced with 646 new homes, with a further 531 under construction or planned.
For a more detailed breakdown of on-going housing renewal download the latest copy of Castlefields Housing Renewal Fact Sheet.
All new development in Castlefields strives for high standards in design and sustainability. In line with the masterplan, the size, type and tenure of new dwellings has also been diversified. Of completed new homes:
- 53% have been two bedroom apartments;
- 45% houses;
- 2% Bungalows; and
- 91% have been built on previous developed land.
To find out more download a copy of Castlefields: Creating a Sustainable Community Information Sheet.
Current Projects
A number of new housing developments are currently under construction. LHT are working on the redevelopment of the Hedge Hey block and the Woodlands Walk area; Plus Dane Housing on the redevelopment Keepers Walk deck access block and the Village Square apartments.
In 2007 planning permission was granted for the development of up to 355 new dwellings on Lakeside and Canalside, an area of land adjacent to the Bridgewater Canal and Town Park Lake. These areas were identifed in the Masterplan to help diversify the tenure of Castlefields and provide "step up" homes for existing residents. It is expected these sites will be developed between 2010 and 2013.
