Hope for demolition threat homes

Campaigners want developers to consider their designs Enlarge Image

Residents fighting the demolition of their homes as part of the regeneration of east Manchester hope refurbishment plans could offer an alternative.

About 550 houses on Toxteth Street in Openshaw are facing compulsory purchase orders (CPO) under the government's Pathfinder housing renewal scheme.

Charity Save Britain's Heritage has commissioned designs it says "exposes the insanity" of demolition.

Regeneration chiefs say residents were consulted about the existing plans.

The properties in the Toxteth Street neighbourhood are to make way for a new development of two and three storey townhouses as part of a wider regeneration of the area.

Many owners have sold up but there are almost 70 objectors to the project developed by regeneration body, New East Manchester.

Save Britain's Heritage says those residents who remain support the redesigns drawn up by architect Mark Hines.

Residents' design hopes

Secretary William Palin said: "Judged on community benefits, environmental impact and cost, rehabilitation and refurbishment is clearly the way forward.

"It is less destructive, helps preserve the existing community, saves money and offers revitalisation without losing the enduring qualities of these characterful and much-loved terraced streets.

"With good, imaginative design, these houses can be easily adapted to offer the variety of housing which the Pathfinder agencies say is required for the area."

Mr Palin points to the award-winning Chimney Pot Park development in Salford as an example of how old terraced houses can be transformed.

He said the Urban Splash scheme had "shown that by extending the houses in various ways and creating new, private or shared space around them you can create a wide variety of different accommodation".

Toxteth Street resident, Michael Mottram, 63, is one of the 68 objectors to the demolition scheme and is backing refurbishment.

Residents consulted

He told BBC News: "I think it's vital as a concept that they will retain the things which already exist and enhance them.

"So the houses will become much more attractive than they already are."

Eddie Smith, chief executive of New East Manchester, said: "Our plans for the regeneration of the Toxteth Street area in Openshaw have been drawn up following consultation with local residents.

"These plans will transform an area of poor quality housing, a poor environment and significant crime and anti-social behaviour into a sustainable family-focused residential area, where once again existing residents will choose to stay and new families will choose to come to live - providing significant long-term benefit to the wider Openshaw area."

Plans for the refurbishment of the 19th Century terraces are on display at the Strawberry Duck pub on Crabtree Lane.

A CPO public inquiry is due to start in September.