Plans revealed for new homes to be built on site of legendary Reno nightclub in Manchester's Moss Side

The first images of the new homes which could be built on the site of a legendary former Manchester nightclub have been revealed.

More than 300 affordable homes are planned across four plots of land in Moss Side. The development will see disused land at the site of the former Reno nightclub and neighbouring sites at Barnhill Street, along with land at Westwood Street and Raby Street, transformed into a mix of family homes and apartments.

The underground club was a haven for Manchester’s Black community in the past. In the 1970s, rare funk and soul records imported from America were played at the basement club which was rumoured to have hosted Muhammad Ali and Bob Marley. But the club closed in 1986 and the building was later demolished.

Now a patch of grass, the land opposite the Heineken brewery is one of four sites in Moss Side earmarked for development. A blend of apartments and multi-generational family homes, the new properties would all be ‘affordable’.

The homes would be available for rent, shared ownership or rent to buy with a local lettings policy in place, according to Mosscare St Vincent’s (MSV). The local housing association is working with Manchester council on the project.

MSV chief executive Charlie Norman said: “The demand for new homes in Moss Side is urgent. The population has grown by more than 20% in the last decade, but the number of homes, particularly those that local people can afford, has not kept pace.

“We have worked with the community on our plans from day one, to ensure that what we are bringing forward not only addresses the acute housing shortage, but also builds on the area’s proud history. The feedback that we have received to date has shaped the proposals and we encourage all community members, businesses, and stakeholders to participate in this consultation.”

A steering group formed of representatives from resident groups across Moss Side has worked with MSV in shaping the initial design of the scheme. MSV says talks with the local community will continue over the coming months to ensure the rich heritage and culture of the area is reflected in the final designs.

MSV is also looking at how it can develop the site of Greenheys Adult Learning Centre into homes. The services currently being delivered there would move to a new purpose-built facility at one of the other sites set to be developed.

A three-week public consultation on the plans begins on July 22. The findings will be presented to a future meeting of the council’s executive committee.

Labour councillor and executive member for housing and development Gavin White said: “We have an ambitious plan to work with our local housing associations to increase the amount of affordable housing available across our neighbourhoods. This exciting development will bring forward hundreds of affordable and sustainable homes where we know that they are needed.

“But it’s vital that the community is able to have its say and continue to shape the plans that are being developed. This consultation will enable us to gather vital feedback and I would urge as many local people as possible to take part.”

The public consultation begins on July 22 with a drop-in session from 12pm and 3pm at Moss Side Community Park on Raby Street and will close on August 13. Residents can find more information and share their views on the plans at www.msvhousing.co.uk/your-community/moss-side-were-listening/.