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900 homes after Ciba signs-off

Jo Rostron
7/ 7/2006

THE Ashton New Road home of Ciba Specialty Chemicals is set to be transformed into houses and offices after a developer paid an eight-figure sum for the land.

Established in 1876 as Clayton Aniline the 44 acre site has long been used for the production of dyestuffs.

But it is earmarked for a dramatic transformation when Ciba winds up the plant in the middle of next year with some 900 homes, offices and retail facilities planned in its place.

The land has been acquired by Harrow Estates, which specialises in industrial sites having carried out similar work the former AstraZeneca site in Blackley and in Salford where Clarient Chemicals Limited was once housed.

Major work is likely to be required to rid the area of potential contamination, which could involve the removal or large amounts of earth or special treatment on site, but the final market value is expected to reach £200 million.

The project is still in its infancy and detail of exactly what is to be included will not be known until a planning application is submitted around the end of the year.

However, it is likely to include elements of affordable housing and Harrow Estates will work with New East Manchester Ltd to ensure it is in keeping with wider regeneration work in the area.

The developer will also have to work closely with the Environment Agency and the Health and Safety Executive to ensure it meets strict safety standards.

Mike Riding, managing director of Harrow Estates, described the purchase as 'a tremendous boost for east Manchester'.

He added: "As specialists in the investment and redevelopment of old industrial and derelict sites throughout the UK, this is an ideal project for us to use our expertise to bring this site into use."

Tom Russell, chief executive of New East Manchester Ltd, said: "We welcome the investment from Harrow Estates.

"The site is large and strategically important for the regeneration of east Manchester. We look forward to working closely with Harrow Estates to secure high quality redevelopment when Ciba vacate the site."