Regeneration through design, delivered with purpose

Project: Greenbrow Road, Wythenshawe - A flagship example of regeneration through thoughtful, community-first design

Once a site marked by dereliction and anti-social behaviour, Greenbrow Road has been transformed into a thriving new community of 130 high-quality homes. Architecture by Design was appointed as lead architect by Wythenshawe Community Housing Group to unlock the site's potential and deliver long-term social value through thoughtful, sustainable design.

This flagship regeneration scheme proves that affordable housing doesn’t have to compromise on quality — and that community impact can be designed in from day one.

 

A Neighbourhood Reimagined 

The site had sat vacant for years — underused, unloved, and overshadowed by its proximity to the M56 motorway. Working closely with the client and wider delivery team, we developed a masterplan that introduced a carefully considered mix of homes, supported by clear design principles rooted in quality, safety, and long-term viability.

The final scheme includes:

• 52 two-bedroom, four-person houses for affordable sale

• 78 two-bedroom, four-person apartments for market rent

• Landscaped public spaces, streetscape improvements, and clear visual boundaries for improved safety and social cohesion

Designing for Delivery and Long-Term Value 

From the outset, we prioritised compliance and buildability without losing sight of architectural integrity. Every home was designed to meet or exceed:

• Homes England standards

• Lifetime Homes

• Secured by Design

• Code for Sustainable Homes (CfSH)

• Equality Act requirements

Additional performance benchmarks:

• HQI Scores: Size 46 / Layout 61 / Services 66

• 13/20 Building for Life points achieved

• BIM visualisations used to support early engagement and sales strategy

Collaborative Delivery with a Lean Mindset 

The project was delivered through a partnering contract that supported early-stage collaboration between client, contractor, and design team. Our use of BIM supported a right-first-time philosophy and reduced the rework rate to under 10%.

Key delivery outcomes:

• Delivered on time and within budget

• <10% rework rate

• 85% user satisfaction (target: 80%)

• Considerate Constructors Score: 34

Our experience in lean social housing design informed every stage — combining efficiency with care to ensure both technical precision and tenant-focused outcomes.

A Catalyst for Local Change

This development has not only provided 130 much-needed homes but also played a key role in the wider regeneration of Wythenshawe. With improved safety, stronger neighbourhood identity, and a clear architectural language, Greenbrow Road is now a place people are proud to live.

At Architecture by Design, we don’t just design homes. We design with purpose — for people, for place, and for lasting community impact.

Impact Summary: 

Greenbrow Road is a clear example of what can be achieved when design is purposeful and delivery is collaborative. The project transformed a neglected site into a place people are proud to call home — with homes that meet modern standards, a streetscape that feels safe and welcoming, and a renewed sense of neighbourhood identity. It demonstrates how affordable housing can be both high-quality and community-first, with design doing the quiet, important work of regeneration.