Home North West Peaks & Plains Housing Trust delivers 67 new homes

Peaks & Plains Housing Trust delivers 67 new homes

Example kitchen and living space within Crossings

Crossings – the latest residential development in Macclesfield creating 67 new homes in the heart of the town – is preparing for completion with 45% of units reserved to date.

Comprising a mix of high-quality one, two- and three-bedroom apartments, the development offers flexible Rent to Buy, Shared Ownership and private rent options across two blocks, including a large open plan communal foyer to work and relax and a garden room to socialise, fitted with premium specifications and furnishings throughout.

In partnership with Homes England Crossings is the first residential scheme of this scale to be completed by Chalk, the new development arm of Peaks & Plains Housing Trust – an established builder and manager of homes and communities in East Cheshire and The High Peak, created to support affordable housing and community projects in Macclesfield.

Mark Howden, chief executive of Peaks & Plains Housing Trust, said: “Crossings represents an important milestone in our development plans to meet housing need and changing lifestyles. Chalk combines our knowledge of the housing sector and the local area, and our aim is to deliver high quality homes that offer a choice of affordable ways to rent and own for potential residents.”


The construction of Crossings is being led by local contractor Rowlinson Construction. Each block has been fitted with rooftop photovoltaic panels to provide sustainably sourced electricity to the communal areas. The development also features the latest smart technology such as app-controlled heating and Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR). There are 23 parking spaces, including an electric vehicle charging point that can serve up to two vehicles, and a spacious cycle store for residents.

The development is located less than five minutes’ walk from Macclesfield train station, surrounded by an array of shops, bars and restaurants that encapsulate the proud independent spirit of Macclesfield on the doorstep of the vibrant Sunderland Street.

The brownfield site where Crossings has been developed was aptly named after its location, spanning the River Bollin and sitting on a crossroads where the Cheshire plains meet the foothills of the Peak District, breathing new life into an industrial mill site that has lain derelict since 2011.

Mark continued: “As developers we need to think differently about the homes we build to meet the needs of today’s market. The rising cost of living is making it harder for many people to save towards a large deposit. Rent to Buy and Shared Ownership are two initiatives that offer flexibility and choice. Through Chalk residents will have a professional landlord that’s properly regulated and is working to help more people move on to the property ladder. We want to show people what’s possible and achievable in this space to challenge current perceptions and create beautiful, affordable homes that serve the community.

“Macclesfield has a lot to offer to residents, with excellent transport links to Manchester and London. Crossings is the cornerstone of our aspirations for the ongoing regeneration of Sunderland Street and town centre, in partnership with Cheshire East Council, to provide residents with a mix of urban amenities in a beautiful rural setting, and we’re extremely pleased with the development,” he added.

Fully furnished rental apartments are due for completion in February 2022, with prices starting from £800/pcm.

Due for completion in April 2022, apartments are also available to reserve on a Shared Ownership basis. One-bedroom homes are priced at £34,375 for a 25% share, and two-bedroom homes are priced at £40,000 for a 25% share.