Wade Walk, Openshaw, Manchester

Project type: Social Housing

Requirements: Planning Permission for 30 Apartments

RIBA Stages: 0 to 3

This project was a Social Housing scheme for a new build apartment development in Openshaw, Manchester, on behalf of Great Places Housing Group. The site is located between Wade Walk and Mill Street. The local area mainly consists of outmoded terraced accommodation, and regarded as a deprived neighbourhood. The area was designated for regeneration as part of ongoing improvements of East Manchester.

The original Wade Walk maisonettes and 3 storey block of flats were demolished, creating a 1.16 acres (0.47 Hectare) site for development. A new sustainable, 30 unit two bedroom apartment block with secure car parking, and a 'Community Garden' was proposed to improve the lives of the local residents. The coloured renders by the Manchester artist Peter Seal give an excellent impression of the scheme's potential.

While employed at Ian Finlay Architects Ltd., I assisted the Director, Ian Finlay, in all the key stages of the project from Concept Design to securing Planning Permission for the project. The scheme was part of Partnering Contract and IFA Ltd. was responsible for the RIBA Stages 0 -3 within it. However the scheme was further developed up to RIBA Stage 4.

Extensive research of the underground services within the site was done, so positioning the new building within the site would not cause any disturbance to the existing utilities, and minimise the need for expensive diversions. The apartment layout was simplified to one standard type, and the living spaces sized to 'Design for Access 2' and 'Standards and Quality: Part C' guidelines. The main corridor to the apartments was made broader to give the impression of an enclosed street, allowing residents to socialise with each other, and use it as a communal meeting place.

As part of the Planning Application various consultants were appointed such as a Quantity Surveyor, Ecologist, Mechanical & Electrical Engineers, Landscape Designer, and SBS Officer, all co-ordinated by the lead architects.

The scheme was designed in accordance to the 'Code for Sustainable Homes', and used renewable technologies such as PV panels. A conscious effort was made to design crime out of the area, and achieved 'Secure by Design' standards. The project was completed in 2011 at a cost of £3m.