Residents move into new Pendleton eco-homes

Plans to create a new Pendleton are a becoming a reality as the first residents move into their new homes.

Families from Holcombe Court have packed up to move into brand new, three and four bedroom eco-homes on Fitzwarren Street and Lilac Court.

The terraced townhouses are part of a new Great Places Housing Group development of 39 homes for rent and affordable sale to help people get onto the property ladder.

Pendleton is undergoing a multi-million pound housing investment to regenerate the area, led by the city council.

Funded through private finance initiative (PFI) the project will see the majority of houses refurbished, with several areas undergoing complete redevelopment to provide new and improved homes.

The Fitzwarren Street and Lilac Court development marks the start of new homes for local people.

They are the first of many to be built as part of wider regeneration plans for the area.

The new homes are built to high standards and feature double-glazing, solar panels and quality insulation to reduce energy bills while protecting the environment.

They are based around a Home Zone, a street designed to slow traffic with planting.

Civil partners Vicky and Anne-Marie Watson moved into one of the new four-bedroom homes with their three young children.

Vicky, 32, said: "We've moved from Holcombe Close with all our neighbours and we're absolutely delighted with our new home. We all have our own space and the kids think it is amazing.

"It's brilliant that we're still next to all our old neighbours. Community spirit is great and there's a lot of acceptance for us as a gay couple."

The family lived in Preston before moving to Salford 18 months ago. Anne-Marie, 37, added: "It was a temporary move to be closer to mum but it's really worked out for us.

"We love it here and the new house is a great new start for us all together."

Elsewhere, four generations of one family have moved into four homes at the development.

82-year-old family member Margaret Jennings (pictured) lives next door to her daughter, with her other daughter across the street and granddaughter further down the row.

Margaret said: "I would be lost without my family. It’s great that we are so close together and our houses are fantastic, we like everything about them.”

Great Places Housing Group and Salix Homes worked with residents during the building and move-in process and have helped to house long-time neighbours and next to each other.

Paul Walker, Salford City Council's strategic director for sustainable regeneration said: "This is the start of the vision for Pendleton becoming real.

"Regeneration plans are really taking shape now and in the Autumn we'll be deciding on a bidder to carry out work to redevelop the area after lengthy consultation processes with local people.

"I'm delighted to hear that the families who've moved in are happy with their homes and its reassuring to know that the work we're doing with our partners to create a new Pendleton is taking a step in the right direction."

Guy Creswell, director of housing for Great Places Housing Group said: "New tenants are delighted and buyers are so impressed with the homes for sale that half of the eight available were reserved during the sales launch weekend.”

Joe Willis, Salix Homes' director of services in neighbourhoods said: "It's an exciting time for Pendleton and it's been very rewarding for us all to help residents move into their new homes.

"The regeneration of Pendelton is key to securing a bright future for the area and we're proud to be part of it and we wish the families well in their new properties."