Next steps agreed for Handforth Garden Village scheme

Cheshire East Council’s economy and growth committee are to explore forming a joint venture to deliver 1,500 new homes at Handforth Garden Village.

The joint venture would see the council and MADE Partnership work together as master developer on the project. Development of Handforth Garden Village aims to deliver 1,500 new homes, schools providing 700 places for pupils aged 4-16, employment space, a village centre and community hub, care facilities, and new green spaces on a site to the South-east of the Handforth Dean junction of the A34 and A555 main roads.

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, subject to approval by Cheshire East Council’s economy and growth committee, the council and MADE Partnership will work together as ‘master developers’ and be responsible for all aspects of the Handforth Garden Village until the scheme is delivered in full.

Cllr 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.“

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.”