Partnership of 24 housing associations appoints Charlie Norman as members aim to build 18,000 new homes

A group of housing associations in Greater Manchester with plans to build 18,000 homes over five years has announced the appointment of a new chair.

charlie norman

Charlie Norman is the new chair of Greater Manchester Housing Partnership

Charlie Norman, chief executive of Mosscare St Vincent’s has been appointed chair of the Greater Manchester Housing Providers (GMHP).

GMHP is a partnership of 24 housing associations that collaborate to deliver housing services and build homes. Last year GMHP announced plans to build 18,000 homes in greater Manchester over the next five years, investing £2.5bn in development.

Norman replaces Jon Lord, chief executive of Bolton at Home, who has held the position since GMHP was formed in 2012.

Ten GMHP members, along with Greater Manchester Combined Authority, have also set up a development joint venture company called Hive Homes to deliver market sale housing.

See also>> Greater Manchester publishes 165,000-home draft plan

Norman said: “The housing crisis is ever-present, and myriad challenges; from building safety, the decarbonisation agenda and levelling up, to the cost-of-living crisis and the unacceptable inequalities exacerbated by the pandemic, are putting pressures on our organisations and communities like never before.

“In that context, it’s never been more important to work collaboratively as housing providers, sharing our knowledge, expertise and best practice to find effective solutions to these challenges.”