Our bright new future

FOOTBALL mad . . . Daniel Whatmough in Devon Street

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ANOTHER run-down borough street has been transformed into a safe haven for pedestrians as part of the Housing Market Renewal scheme.

Devon Street, Werneth, now has redesigned parking, newly-planted trees and street furniture to slow traffic to a crawl and reclaim the road for families on foot.

The area is the second of two “Home Zones” to be created by Manchester Methodist Housing Association, part of Great Places Housing Group, following work on neighbouring Norfolk Street, finished a year ago.

Councillor Mohib Uddin, Cabinet member for regeneration, said: “This is good news for Werneth.

“It is a great example of everyone working together to design and build high quality eco-homes for our community.”

The zones each have a different feel as residents of each street had different views about what they wanted to see.

Norfolk Street householders wanted a clear and simple design, while Devon Street opted for bolder, coloured paving and diagonal parking spaces.

Ian Finlay Architects designed the zones following similar projects in Manchester, which provided the inspiration for Werneth.

The houses themselves were designed by award-winning architects TADW and built by CSC Construction.

They now stand proud among the traditional red brick terraces as a beacon of regeneration, helping to give the neighbourhood a bright, new look.

The properties all achieve an eco-homes rating of “very good” and super high levels of insulation lower running costs for residents. Both feature new housing for rent, shared ownership and outright sale.

Matthew Harrison, deputy chief executive and director of development at Great Places Housing Group, said: “The home zones mean traffic slows right down and families can enjoy the streetscape.

“They show that things are changing for the better in Werneth.”