Developer in talks over four regeneration schemes in north-west England

Manchester developer Artisan is in talks to take over full control of two regeneration projects from joint venture partner Barratt, it is understood.

News of the talks emerged a week after Carol Ainscow, the firm鈥檚 founder and chief executive, underlined that affordable housing would be a central part of the company鈥檚 strategy in the current market.

She is believed to be in talks with Barratt about taking full control of BASE, a joint venture between the two companies launched in 2005 to deliver regeneration schemes in Hattersley and West Gorton, both in Greater Manchester.

Hattersley, worth a total of 拢100m, involves more than 900 new-build homes. The value of West Gorton, which includes 1,200 new homes is currently unknown.

It is understood that Artisan would also ensure the construction and delivery of two BASE schemes in Rochdale and Oldham.

The four would be built by Artisan鈥檚 construction division, whose future appeared unclear after the departure of Peter Millett, its managing director.

The division, which has a 拢30m pipeline of work, is currently being run by Paul Curran, its acting managing director.

Ainscow denied speculation that the construction division would close, but said she was reviewing the business鈥� cost base. She said: 鈥淭he performance of the division has persuaded me to make changes and I鈥檓 conducting a thorough cost review.鈥�

Artisan has not made any comment on the talks.

Barratt declined to comment.

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