Redrow uses local labour to build new homes

People living in the Moston and Harpurhey wards of North Manchester are helping to change the face of the neighbourhood.

Redrow is working with Manchester City Council to provide quality built, affordable new homes in Moston – and is using local labour where possible.

Keith Collard, construction director for Redrow Homes (Lancashire) said: “Under the agreement with the council we’ve committed to employing a minimum of 10 per cent of local people to help construct the homes. Site registers have helped us monitor this and already, on average, a quarter of the workforce are those living in the surrounding areas.”

Among those who have been taken on as a direct result of this policy are apprentices John Riding and Kieran Maguire.

Both live within walking distance of the Hanson Gardens site in Hugo Street, off Lightbowne Road, which is the first phase of a wider regeneration scheme.

Hanson Gardens will feature 128 two and three-bedroom homes, in a scheme that will eventually see more that 400 properties built on six separate sites.

John and Kieran found out about the Redrow apprenticeships through the local Connexions office.

John, 19 and a former pupil of North Manchester High School for Boys, explained: “I’ve always wanted to be a joiner and when I left school I did a college course in form work and joinery. When I heard about the Redrow apprenticeship I thought it would be a great opportunity for me personally and to help improve the local area.”

Apprentice bricklayer Kieran Maguire, 17, who attended St Matthew’s RC High School, commented: “I was interested in an apprenticeship because I wanted to do something practical and to earn some money while learning a trade. I’m looking forward to developing new skills while also helping to provide affordable housing for the people of Moston.”

Redrow is also encouraging its sub-contractors to employ residents of the Moston and Harpurhey wards by putting them in contact with Construction Industry Solutions, which is part of Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce.

The number of locals working on the homes is expected to increase as the build progresses.

Harpurhey Councillor Joanne Green commented: “I am delighted to see that the commitment to use local labour is being realised so successfully on the Moston and Harpurhey developments. This approach certainly adds value to a scheme that is contributing to the ongoing regeneration of the area – providing not just homes, but also jobs for local people.”

Moston Councillor Henry Cooper said: “The contract between Redrow and Manchester City Council offers a good deal for first time buyers and the people of Moston and Harpurhey. I’m glad to see that Redrow is employing a number of local people, including the two apprentices.”

Under the agreement with the council, people living in the Moston and Harpurhey wards also get priority to purchase as each new phase of homes is released for sale.

And all buyers can take advantage of a shared equity scheme administered by the City Council, which allows them to defer 25% of the purchase price of a home, interest free for 10 years.

Two-bedroom homes at Hanson Gardens are available from £104,995, with three-bedroom properties on the market from £129,995. Buyers  who utilise shared equity to put off paying up to a quarter of the price can snap up a two-bedroom home for an initial outlay as little as £78,746.

Two professionally decorated, fully furnished show homes are now open for viewing from 10am to 5.30pm Thursday to Monday inclusive.