Work to build 171 new council homes in West Gorton – the first family council homes to be built in Manchester for more than 20 years - starts today Tuesday 30 November 2010.

An event at Wenlock Way in West Gorton, will mark the start of the £22.9 million development as the first sod of earth is cut.

Six schoolchildren from Armitage Primary School will release 171 balloons, one for every new home. They will also see their schoolwork displayed, ready to go into a time capsule to be buried on site, along with other items including art work, a local newspaper and video diaries contributed by local community groups.

The homes are being built on four council-owned sites in West Gorton. A mix of houses, bungalows and apartments, the properties will be completed by March 2012. They will be owned by Manchester City Council and managed by a registered social landlord.

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The new generation of council homes is being funded by the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) through the Local Authority New Build Programme.

Bramall Construction and GB Solutions has announced that they will create at least 15 site based apprenticeship and training opportunities in Gorton, and at least 18 new jobs.

This latest scheme follows on from the work which began in March this year to build 32 bunaglows in Charlestown and Higher Blackley, north Manchester, which are set to be completed by March 2011.

It is part of a wider masterplan for West Gorton which will include 1,000 new homes, new shops, community facilities and a family park in the area.

Councillor Paul Andrews, Executive Member for Neighbourhood Services for Manchester City Council, said: "This is great news for Manchester and in particular for West Gorton. It is another significant step forward and will support the wider regeneration which is transforming the area.

"The residents, with the support of the ward councillors, have worked hard to make this happen and I am pleased that this development has now started on site.

"This scheme will deliver much-needed, high quality new homes for current and future residents of the area. I'm sure the new properties will prove extremely popular."

(CD/KMcA)