A scheme of newly built affordable homes in Chorlton is helping people onto the housing ladder and has welcomed its first residents.
The local MP, ward councillors and partners joined opening celebrations today to mark the completion of the 29 shared ownership apartments at Emerald Way. 
The Gecko Homes’ development transforms the former Chorlton Irish Club car park and has been built by registered landlord Southway Housing Trust and J Greenwood (Builders) as part of the Government’s Affordable Homes Programme.
The £10.8m four-storey development overlooks Beech Road Park and provides one and two-bedroom apartments set in the heart of the Chorlton’s vibrant community.
The apartments feature open plan living, a private balcony and an allocated space in the car park which has seven electric car chargers. Homes are also energy efficient with solar panels on the roof to help residents save money on their bills.
With shared ownership, buyers can get on the property ladder with a much smaller upfront cost. Customers can purchase an initial share from as little as 10% of the home’s market value, with deposits starting from just 5% of the share they choose to buy.
Buyers can use a mortgage or other approved funding options to purchase their share, making the scheme accessible to those who may not be able to secure a full mortgage. They then pay a reduced rent on the remaining share, which continues to be owned by Southway.
Shared owners also have the option to increase their share over time—a process known as staircasing — all the way up to 100% ownership..
One of the new residents Maimuna Ndow said: “I love Chorlton and coming back here brings back a lot of happy memories. It has a lot of history and there are lot of great nature walks in the area.
“I have previously DJ’d at Lloyds and Strange Brew in Chorlton, and at 99 Reasons for Chorlton Arts Festival. Since moving into Emerald Way I have discovered even more about the great vibe Chorlton has and it’s a really chilled place to live. I have had fun going out for food and drinks with friends, and enjoyed productions at "The Edge" and films at Chorlton Film Institute at St Clement’s Church.”
Southway, Gecko Homes and contractor J Greenwood (Builders) have worked with local schools, colleges and Job Centre Plus to create jobs, apprenticeships and learning opportunities through the construction of Emerald Way.
Southway and Gecko Homes also supported Chorlton Arts Festival and sponsored St John’s Football Club to buy new training kits for its 250 young players.
Jonathan Turner, Southway Housing’s Assistant Director of Development, said: “I’m proud that we’re able to build homes that will help people into homeownership in such a desirable area like Chorlton.
“14 homes have already reserved and it’s great to see our first residents settle into their new homes.
"We’ve worked with partners to build these homes to a high standard while creating local jobs and supporting local initiatives to make sure Emerald Way is something the whole community can feel proud of.”
Cllr Gavin White, Manchester City Council’s executive member for housing and development, said: “Delivering different types of housing that meet the needs of our residents, while broadening the options for accessing property ownership is an important part of our city-wide housing strategy – and this is ever more important in places like Chorlton where getting on the property ladder can be more challenging.
“These homes are also highly energy efficient, with solar panels and EV charging points, saving residents money during the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.
“It’s partnership working, like in this scheme with Southway Housing, which is contributing to our ambitious strategy to help build at least 10,000 social, council and genuinely affordable homes through to 2032 – building the homes our residents need.”
Local MP Jeff Smith, whose Withington constituency includes Chorlton, said: “I’m really pleased to be here to celebrate the official opening of the new homes at Emerald Way.
“Shared ownership schemes like this are a great way to help people onto the housing ladder who might otherwise not be able to afford to buy their own home. Southway, Gecko and their partners are to be congratulated on such a great development.”
The development had grant funding from Homes England’s Affordable Homes Programme and Greater Manchester Combined Authority through the Brownfield Housing Fund scheme.
Anyone interested in learning more can contact Gecko’s friendly sales team on 0330 995 1333 or email sales@geckohomes.co.uk. Full details and availability can also be found online: Emerald Way.
