1,600 new homes for Salford

Published by Max Salsbury for 24dash.com in Housing and also in Development

Salford City Council will revive a 200 hectare area of the city by creating 1,600 new homes and refurbishing 1,200 existing ones.

The Council have selected the SP+ consortium, led by Together Housing Group member Chevin Housing Association Ltd, for the project in Pendleton.

It was selected after a four year competitive tender process that involved significant consultation with the Pendleton community.

As well as housing, the scheme will also provide new sports pitches, green space, walk ways and cycle paths.

It is hoped that the proposed work will create 500 new jobs, 2,000 work experience placements and training opportunities for 3,200 people.

Councillor Gena Merrett, Lead Member for Housing and Environment at Salford City Council, said: “This is an incredibly exciting and much anticipated regeneration scheme for the area.

“The plans put forward by the preferred bidder not only build new housing, they will also make the most of what is already there, refurbishing some of the existing properties and creating parks and green space that will create a much nicer environment for local residents to enjoy.

"It has taken many years to get to the stage where we are ready to start the scheme, but it is so important we get a scheme like this right as it has major implications for the community.

“Good housing and facilities can make a big difference to a community, having a positive impact on everything from health and wellbeing to crime and disorder. I am pleased to see this scheme coming forward, and that the community has had such a big impact on shaping it."

City Mayor of Salford, Ian Stewart, said: “There is no doubt that this is a good thing for the city, bringing much needed regeneration to this area of Salford.

“Throughout this process we have worked closely with the community, local councillors and the local MP to develop a scheme that everyone could be happy with.

“But this work isn’t over. In the coming months the community will have a big role to play in finalising the plans for this development.

“This collaborative approach is something I want to see happening across the city, making sure communities are actively engaged in development schemes.”

Paul Hayes, director of new business at SP+, commented:  "This is a fantastic, once in a lifetime opportunity to transform Pendleton and improve the quality of life for everyone. We are thrilled to have been selected as the preferred partner to deliver this investment.

“We have worked closely with the Council , other stakeholders and especially the residents to make sure that we can create a new Pendleton that everyone will be proud of.”