HMR eco-homes scoop award

Date published: 18 March 2009


AN eco-friendly housing development in Werneth has scooped its first award.

The 23 new homes in Devon Street and Norfolk Street — which feature wind turbines and extra insulation — have been named the Best Brownfield Site at the Daily Telegraph Your New Home awards.

The properties, ranging from two-bedroom apartments to seven-bedroom houses, are part of the Housing Market Renewal Pathfinder programme and were developed by Manchester Methodist Housing.

The project involved turning two rat runs into continental-style Home Zones with houses available for affordable sale and rent.

Housing Market Renewal Director Alastair Graham said: “This is great news for the Pathfinder but especially for existing and prospective residents of Werneth.

“Devon Street and Norfolk Street are excellent examples of what can be achieved through effective partnership. The development shows the high quality of new homes that we are making available in Werneth, which will ensure that it is an attractive place to live.”

Barik and Rufia Miah moved into one of the homes with children Mahbubur (22), Mohibur (20), Rubaka (16), Fateha (13) and nine-year-old Hajar.

Barik said: “It’s a big house with lots of space and the street design is very good, we are settling in well.”

The site had previously been occupied by unpopular social housing which was cleared to provide the land for the new homes.