Residents invited to have their say on plans to create Manchester’s largest social housing provider
Residents from two South Manchester housing associations are being invited to share their views on proposals to merge and create Manchester’s largest affordable housing provider.
Neighbouring social landlords Southway Housing Trust and Wythenshawe Community Housing Group (WCHG) announced merger discussions last month.
Both housing associations are now running a 10-week survey to gather residents’ views on future priorities for the new organisation.
If the merger is approved in the autumn, the new organisation would become the largest provider of affordable housing in Manchester, with more than 21,000 homes and over 40,000 residents.
The proposed merger would enable greater investment in improving and maintaining existing homes, while creating opportunities to enhance services and support for residents and communities.
Together, the two organisations would be better placed to respond to the challenges facing the housing sector and increase investment in communities, building on the combined £15 million already committed by Southway and WCHG over the coming years.
A combined organisation would also have greater financial capacity to support the delivery of new affordable homes and help meet housing need across Greater Manchester.
Between them, Southway and WCHG have already committed to delivering 2,700 affordable homes by 2030, and a merged organisation would be well placed to build on this ambition.
A merger would bring together the strengths, expertise and local knowledge of both organisations, helping to ensure services continue to be shaped by the needs and priorities of residents.
Southway currently manages more than 6,500 homes across Greater Manchester, with most located in Burnage, Chorlton, Didsbury and Withington.
WCHG owns and manages around 14,000 homes in Wythenshawe and surrounding areas.
If the merger is approved in the autumn, Nick Crofts, WCHG’s current Chair, would become Group Chair of the new organisation and Southway Chief Executive John Bowker would become Chief Executive of the combined organisation.
John Bowker, Chief Executive of Southway Housing Trust, said:
“This is an exciting opportunity for two successful housing associations with a wealth of local knowledge to come together to provide better and more tailored services for residents across south Manchester and the wider Greater Manchester region. We want to hear from as many residents as possible to help shape these plans and ensure any future organisation reflects the needs and priorities of the communities we serve.”
- John Bowker
Nick Crofts, Chair of Wythenshawe Community Housing Group, said:
“Residents’ views are central to this process, and we want to hear from as many people as possible. Feedback will help shape our future priorities and help ensure that, if the merger goes ahead, the new organisation reflects what matters most to the people and communities we serve.”
The resident consultation runs until 27 August, with postal survey responses required by 13 August.
Southway residents can find out more and have their say at www.southwayhousing.co.uk/about-us/merger-talks/merger-consultation
WCHG residents can find out more at www.wchg.org.uk/about-us/merger-updates
