The redevelopment of the former Seedfield Centre has commenced in Bury, UK, aiming to address the need for new family housing.
The site, which has been unused and subject to vandalism since closing as a school in 1987, is being converted into a housing development named Roedeer Gardens, offering 81 three- and four-bedroom homes.
Bury Council and Hive Homes are collaborating on this project, with a £1m ($1.29m) Brownfield Housing Fund Grant from the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) aiding in the remediation of the land.
Over the mid-year period, efforts were made to clear the site of disused buildings and decontaminate it from asbestos.
The development will not only provide high-quality homes for rent and ownership but also includes new facilities for the local football club.
Seedfield Juniors FC will benefit from new club changing facilities, access improvements, and two new car parks, funded by the development’s section 106 contribution.
Affordability and sustainability are key aspects of Roedeer Gardens, with 25% of the homes designated as affordable housing.
These will be available under various tenures, including affordable rent, shared ownership, and first homes.
Additionally, the homes are designed to Part L building standards, featuring solar panels and heat exchanger mechanisms.
Hive Homes, a ‘profit for purpose’ house builder, is backed by ten of Manchester’s leading Registered Providers and the GMCA, focusing on delivering homes for first-time buyers, growing families, and single homeowners.
Bury Council leader and councillor Eamonn O’Brien said: “We have a ‘brownfield first’ policy when it comes to building new houses. This is a fantastic use of a derelict site, and we look forward to bringing to back to life with new homes for families with a range of housing needs.”
Hive Homes managing director Ed Milner said: “We are delighted to have been selected by Bury Council as their partner for the redevelopment of the former Seedfield Centre and are looking forward to transforming this underused site into 81 much-needed high-quality, energy-efficient homes under a range of tenures with 25% of the scheme satisfying the council’s Affordable criteria.
“Hive and the council have worked together closely to bring forward additional benefits to the local community through the provision of new changing facilities and off-site parking for the neighbouring Seedfield Juniors Football Club as well as street lighting improvements on Parkinson Street and pedestrian crossing upgrade on Walmersley Road.”
Last month, Bury Council partnered with Placefirst to redevelop the 30,000ft² Humphrey House office site into 74 new homes, further contributing to the area’s housing solutions.
