Sector leaders, residents and policymakers have gathered in Manchester for the Great Northern Regen Debate, discussing regeneration’s role in tackling the North’s housing crisis.
The event was delivered by Great Places Housing Group in partnership with the Northern Housing Consortium (NHC) and Renew, with support from MSV Housing and Irwell Valley Homes.
Chaired by Sean Fielding of Cavendish Consulting, the panel featured Ibby Ismail, MSV board member and resident; Ed Ferrari, director at Mosodi; Phil Mayall, managing director at Muse; and Catherine Birks, senior director at CBRE.
The debate also spotlighted recommendations emerging from the NHC’s Renew inquiry, which is examining how regeneration can drive economic growth, tackle ageing housing stock and build stronger, more resilient communities across the North.
Discussion centred on regeneration’s potential to deliver more and better homes, improve housing quality, support local economies and create lasting opportunities for people and places. Speakers also stressed the importance of community voice, resident trust and long-term partnership working.
A recurring theme was the need to work with communities from the outset, with residents attending alongside sector leaders and policymakers to keep the experiences and aspirations of people living in regeneration areas central to the conversation.
Alison Dean, chief executive of Great Places Housing Group, said: “Regeneration is about so much more than building homes. It’s about creating places where people can thrive, strengthening communities and unlocking opportunity for current and future generations.
“Across the North, we can already see the positive difference regeneration is making to people’s lives, but there is much more we can achieve. The Renew inquiry has helped shine a light on both the scale of the challenge and the opportunities ahead.
“By working in partnership and placing residents at the heart of decision-making, we can create neighbourhoods that people are proud to call home while supporting growth, investment and prosperity across the region.”
Local spotlight
Following the debate, members of the Renew Advisory Group, government representatives and sector stakeholders visited two major regeneration projects in Greater Manchester.
The first was Irwell Valley Homes’ Sale West regeneration programme in Trafford, a long-term £50m masterplan delivering 263 new homes, improvements to 1,100 existing properties, enhanced green spaces and community investment.
Stakeholders then travelled to Moss Side, where MSV Housing is leading plans to deliver 212 new social and affordable homes on the site of the former Reno nightclub. Shaped by extensive engagement with local people, the development forms part of a wider programme supporting skills development, wellbeing, environmental improvements and community activity.
Charlie Norman, chief executive of MSV Housing, chair of the Greater Manchester Housing Partnership and Northern Housing Consortium, and a member of the Renew Advisory Group, said: “The visits to Sale West and Moss Side demonstrate what can be achieved when regeneration is shaped around the aspirations of local people and delivered through strong partnerships.
“At both schemes, investment goes far beyond bricks and mortar. These projects are creating opportunities, supporting communities and ensuring residents help shape the future of their neighbourhoods.
“It was particularly valuable for Renew stakeholders to hear directly from those involved in delivering and experiencing regeneration on the ground. As Renew continues its work, these visits reinforce the case for long-term investment and support that can unlock similar opportunities for communities right across the North.”
Sasha Deepwell, chief executive of Irwell Valley Homes, added: “At Sale West in Trafford, we are demonstrating what can be achieved through long-term investment, strong partnerships and meaningful tenant engagement.
“Sharing good practice and our lessons learned is so important to help drive more of the housing-led regeneration that can transform more neighbourhoods across the North.
“Events like the Great Northern Regen Debate and inquiries like Renew are also vital in building the case for regeneration across the region, and we’re proud to be contributing to this important work, particularly as we begin another ambitious regeneration of our largest estate in Tameside, Greater Manchester.
“With the right support and investment, we can unlock opportunities for more communities to benefit from the kind of lasting, positive change we’ve seen in Sale West.”
Main image: Alison Dean, chief executive, Great Places Housing Group
Read next: Stonewater fits heat pumps at retirement scheme
Are you a social housing professional? Sign up for a FREE MEMBERSHIP to upload news stories, post job vacancies, and connect with colleagues on our secure social feed.
