Buttress Architects | Downley Drive

Forming part of the wider Ancoats and New Islington Neighbourhood Development Framework, Buttress with Great Places is developing a 68-unit affordable housing development including 45 apartments, 23 houses and landscaped public realm on Downley Drive. The proposal will create a high-quality, family-orientated, residential-led neighbourhood with a distinctive sense of place and a dynamic community heart.

The strategic plan for the area dictates a mid-density development that acts as a conduit site between the low density homes of Miles Platting and the high density homes of New Islington Marina.

Early discussions with planning indicated a desire for a low carbon scheme in line with Manchester City Council’s policy ambitions. Buttress and Great Places are developing the scheme designs as a pilot for a number of sustainability measures and this will be a flagship development for the organisation.
Our vision is to provide a spatially integrated scheme which serves the needs of the community whilst creating a ‘gateway’ development establishing a visual link within wider context and regeneration area.

To achieve this, community engagement is very much at the heart of a project and the input of residents and key stakeholders was integral to the development of the plans ensuring their needs and concerns were met to create a diverse and vibrant neighbourhood.