Derelict site cleared to make way for housing

The site of a former school in Bury has now been completely cleared to make way for much-needed new housing.

The brownfield site at Seedfield, off Walmersley Road, will soon host 84 new homes for rent and ownership, with new facilities for the local football club.

The school was closed in 1987 and subsequently had a variety of uses, but for years has lain derelict and attracted vandals and anti-social behaviour.

The council has worked with developers Hive Homes to bring the plan to fruition, with £1 million of Brownfield Housing Fund Grant from the GMCA to remediate the land.

Specialist firm Lee Ashworth Excavations Ltd carried out the site clearance and demolition of the buildings, which were dangerous and contaminated with asbestos.

New football club buildings and two new car parks for use by Seedfield Juniors FC have already been built on part of the site.

Councillor Clare Cummins, cabinet member for housing services, 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 are a ‘profit for purpose’ housebuilder owned and funded by ten of Manchester’s leading Registered Providers and the GMCA.

Some 25% of the new homes will be affordable housing, under a range of tenures including affordable rent, shared ownership and first homes.

Ed Milner, managing director of Hive Homes, said: “This has been a real team effort between Hive, the council and the GMCA.

“Demolition of the former school buildings is now complete and the development work is programmed to start in autumn with completion of the new homes commencing in autumn 2025.

“Hive are delighted to have been selected by the council as their development partner on this scheme and our other upcoming development of 90 new homes at School Street in Radcliffe.”