Two Greater Manchester housing associations open merger talks

Two housing associations operating in Greater Manchester have opened merger talks.

Wythenshawe Community Housing, which manages around 14,000 homes, and 6,700-home Southway Housing Trust are exploring joining together to create a £135m-turnover provider with a new name.

In a joint statement, both providers said: “If the merger went ahead, we would be able to invest more in communities through better collaboration, skills and resources.

“We have already committed £10 million to our communities over the next few years. Southway Housing Trust has committed to investing £5 million in its communities by 2030. Over time we’d hope to increase this as one larger organisation.”

The two associations stressed that talks are at an “early stage” and they need to review feedback from residents and staff before a final decision in the autumn. If approved, the deal would happen later in the year.

The providers are surveying tenants through a 10-week consultation from June about the plans. They are also setting up a joint residents’ group to enable residents of both organisations to inform the plans.

John Bowker, currently chief executive of Southway Housing Trust, would become chief executive of the new organisation if the merger’s approved. Nick Crofts, chair of Wythenshawe, would become chair.

The providers said: “This would be an equal partnership. By merging, we would create a new organisation with a new name and new shared values. By working together, we can combine resources to benefit residents and communities.”