Next steps agreed for Handforth Garden Village scheme

Members of Cheshire East Council’s economy and growth committee have agreed to explore the potential of forming a joint venture with MADE Partnership, which would see them work together as the master developer for Handforth Garden Village.

The Handforth Garden Village site is allocated in the council’s Local Plan and aims to deliver 1,500 new homes along with a new school consisting of up to 700 places for pupils aged four to 16, new employment space, a village centre, extra care accommodation, a community hub and green space for the local community to enjoy.

MADE Partnership – formed between Barratt Redrow plc, Homes England and Lloyds Banking Group – is a specialist master developer that was set up to support councils and landowners to deliver large-scale developments like garden villages. 

If a joint venture is formed, it means the council and MADE Partnership would work together as ‘master developers’ and be responsible for all aspects of the Handforth Garden Village until the scheme is delivered in full.

Councillor Michael Gorman, deputy leader of Cheshire East Council and chair of its economy and growth committee, said:

“The Handforth Garden Village is a complex and ambitious scheme, and is not without challenges – as you would expect with any development of this scale.

“While much more consideration is needed before an agreement is made, it is hugely positive that MADE Partnership recognises the value and importance of this scheme and is willing to work with us to explore a joint venture, which would unlock many opportunities to access further resource, expertise, and funding.

“The decision made by the economy and growth committee on Tuesday (11 March) is a key step in the journey to realise our plans, which once delivered will provide much-needed homes and help meet new housing targets set by Government.”

A final decision on whether to form a joint venture with MADE Partnership will be subject to a further committee decision at a later date.

Stephen Kinsella, board member for MADE Partnership, said:

“We are delighted to be working with Cheshire East Council on such an ambitious project. 

“Our amenity-led, placemaking focussed approach to delivery will ensure Handforth Garden Village becomes a place of outstanding quality that will drive economic prosperity and become home to a thriving new community within the borough.”