POSTED: 28/10/2025
Great Places Housing Group recently welcomed Jeff Smith, MP for Manchester Withington, on a visit to learn more about its work in the constituency and to tour our new housing development in West Didsbury.
The visit began at Great Places’ Head Office on Derwent Avenue, where Mr Smith met with our Chief Executive Alison Dean and colleagues from across the organisation. He was introduced to the organisation’s wide-ranging work across homes and neighbourhoods, including its Independence and Wellbeing schemes, which support some of the most vulnerable residents in the area.
Great Places owns and manages nearly 370 homes in the Manchester Withington constituency, including homes for social and affordable rent, shared ownership and specialist housing schemes.
Mr Smith also received an update on a heat network upgrade project led by Great Places’ Energy and Heat Networks team. Part-funded through the Government’s Heat Network Efficiency Scheme (HNES), the project reflects Great Places’ broader commitment to improving energy efficiency and sustainability across its housing stock. The work includes modernising heat network systems, with the aim of reducing carbon emissions and improving heating reliability for customers.
Following the briefing, Mr Smith visited The Rossett on Palatine Road, Didsbury – our 16-home development delivered in partnership between Great Places Affordable Development Team and Cube Homes.
The Rossett has undergone a significant transformation, including refurbishment of the main building. The rear extension was also demolished to make way for eight new-build apartments. The development now includes 16 much-improved apartments for affordable rent (through Great Places), and market rent (through Cube Homes).
The total scheme costs are £2.1 million for Great Places and £1.5 million for Cube Homes, and the project has been supported by grant funding from Homes England and the GMCA Brownfield Housing Fund. Construction is being led by John Southworth Builders, with architectural design by GWP Architecture, and completion is on track for January 2026, following a 17-month build programme.
Commenting on the visit, Jeff Smith MP said:
It was fantastic to see first-hand the work Great Places is doing to support residents in Manchester Withington. The Rossett is a brilliant example of how investment in new housing can make a real difference to people’s lives, and I’m pleased to see such strong collaboration between partners to deliver high-quality homes in our community.
Alison Dean, our Chief Executive, added:
We were delighted to welcome Jeff Smith MP and share the breadth of work we’re doing in the area. From supported housing to new developments like The Rossett, our focus remains on creating places where people feel safe, supported and proud to live. It’s encouraging to see our efforts recognised by local leaders.
