Work is underway on the first phase of a £700 million mixed-use development in Manchester.

Beijing Construction and Engineering Group (BCEGI) has began preparatory works on the Middlewood Locks development in Salford.

The project is being undertaken by FairBriar International, a joint venture (JV) between Scarborough Group, Hualing Group and Metro Holdings.

The 24-acre site will be redeveloped into a new residential and commercial neighbourhood, featuring around 2,000 new homes and over 750,000 sq ft of development space including offices, hotel, shops, restaurants, a convenience store and gym.

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Designed by architect WCEC Group, the first phases will comprise of 571 homes and associated commercial space, including convenience shops, restaurants, new public realm and cycle ways.

With a phased building programme the first residents are expected to start moving in early 2018.

Lee Savage, Development Director of Scarborough, said: "We are thrilled to be starting on site at last. It marks the culmination of many months of intensive preparation and allows the local communities to see for themselves some real progress.

Mr Xing Yan, MD of BCEGI, added: "We are proud to be working on Middlewood Locks with Scarborough Group and their partners on what we believe will be a vibrant new neighbourhood for Salford.

"We are looking forward to engaging with the nearby communities as the construction works progress."

(LM)