Aug 6 2007
The detailed plans for Gorton Monastery Village in Gorton, east Manchester have been approved by Manchester City Council, giving the go-ahead for work to start on site. The scheme will comprise 69 two and three storey family houses on a 1.9 hectare (4.7 acre) site next to Gorton Monastery, just three miles east of Manchester City Centre.
National housebuilder, Gleeson, along with their architects Taylor Young, has designed eight unique house types specifically for this scheme that offer a range of sizes and layouts from two to four bedrooms. This includes 19 detached, 34 semi-detached and 16 terraced houses. All houses will benefit from a private garden and an allocated parking space. A tree lined boulevard will run through the centre of the scheme and an area of public open space has been incorporated into the scheme to create a family orientated feel.
The three storey townhouses on Gorton Lane will have metal railings to the front creating an attractive street scene reminiscent of the historical properties formerly found in the area. The new houses will be built in a traditional style with brick walls, slate effect roof tiles, stone parapets and cills, timber style doors and juliet balconies. In keeping with both the Victorian industrial and residential architecture in the area, paired gables and generous proportions have been incorporated into the design including large, long windows that will create a light, airy feel.
The housing development, which is believed to be the first in the UK to use aspects of sacred geometry as a basis for its masterplan, sits next to the historic Pugin designed grade II* Gorton monastery and is designed to achieve an 'excellent' Eco homes rating giving the homes very high insulation standards, energy saving appliances, off-street parking and cycle and bin storage.
This scheme is also designed to meet national regeneration agency English Partnerships Lifetime Homes standards, which promote housing that is flexible, adaptable and robust to changing social and demographic trends. Lifetime Homes have 16 design features (both interior and exterior) that ensure a new house or flat will meet the needs of most households.
Tom Russell, New East Manchester's Chief Executive said, "Bringing high quality family homes to this part of east Manchester sends out a very clear message that this area is undergoing a significant transformation and we have great confidence in its future. We have designed this scheme to sit respectfully next to, and enhance, the historic monastery building and reflect the wider Gorton area. Creating an innovative new urban village with very high standards of architectural design is incredibly exciting."
David Chilton, Area Director for English Partnerships said, "This scheme clearly demonstrates how a collaborative design process can create a high quality residential development. I am particularly pleased with how this exemplar project builds on the success and design of the restored Monastery whilst together they will lead the transformation of this area of East Manchester."
Work is due to start in the Autumn.