Openshaw site to be home to green R&D pilot

As part of the £24 million Edgefield Green housing development in Openshaw, we will also build six research and development (R&D) properties later this year.

The properties at the 216-home site are part of a pilot scheme to look at ways to make homes carbon neutral, as well as reduce utility costs for residents.

These six R&D properties will be available for affordable rent from Spring 2024 and once lived in, we will be able to monitor and measure how efficient certain features are, such as triple glazing, air-source heat pumps and solar panels. 

At today's opening event, we welcomed guests from Manchester City Council and Homes England, to see the mix of 1 and 2-bedroom apartments and 2, 3 and 4-bed houses that are available to rent-to-buy, for shared ownership, and social and affordable rent.

We want to give our communities quality homes that are safe and affordable, as well as enjoyable to live in. The bespoke houses were designed by Edwards Architecture, and the contractor for the site is Lovell Partnership Limited. This development was also funded through our Strategic Partnership with Homes England to help tackle the UK's housing crisis. 


Our Chief Executive, Jacque Allen, said,

“It's fantastic to see the work completed so far at Edgefield Green, and share our plans for the R&D homes to help find innovative solutions for the future, that will help both the planet, but also the residents we’re creating more affordable homes for.”

“Thanks to the support of Manchester City Council and Homes England, this development has allowed us to transform the site of a disused warehouse into a wonderful, vibrant community for Openshaw.”