Last week, the Leader of Manchester City Council, Sir Richard Leese, joined senior managers and young graduates working for Lendlease, as work officially began on the final phase of the new Potato Wharf development in Castlefield.

Sir Richard helped members of the construction team break ground on the 2.6-acre site where another 191 new homes will be built by the international property and infrastructure group.

Sir Richard Leese, Leader of Manchester City Council, said: “Housing on a brownfield site just a short stroll from the city centre is the sort of development we very much welcome, especially when it is encouraging sustainability and supporting local construction jobs.”

The development has been built with sustainability in mind. The homes will benefit from electric vehicle charging points and dedicated cycle spaces. And there is also a focus on supporting the local community, with the construction team getting involved in weekend canal clean ups, volunteering at Barnabus food shelter and competing in both the Manchester 100km and Manchester to Blackpool bike rides for Action Medical Research.

Lendlease’s team is also working with local schools and colleges to facilitate visits from students interested in the scheme. During the visit Sir Richard met with two local graduates who joined the team after university and are working on project planning and construction management.

Justin Davies, Head of Residential for Lendlease, Europe, said: “Potato Wharf is a community focused scheme in the heart of one of the oldest districts of Manchester. Its proximity to Spinningfields and the canal help make this a truly special development. We’re delighted to be breaking ground on the final phase of the project.”

Pilling work has now been completed and the team will be working on the development sub-structure over the coming months.

The first new properties in the final phase of construction at Potato Wharf are expected to be available for residents to move into by late 2021.

Those interested in finding out more about properties at Potato Wharf should visit www.homesbylendlease.com/potatowharf