Green light for one of UK's biggest housing regeneration schemes

Published by Jon Land for 24dash.com in Housing and also in Communities, Local Government

Salford City Council has approved plans for one of the UK’s biggest housing regeneration schemes.

The council's panning committee today approved the SP+ consortium’s application for its ‘Creating a New Pendleton Together’ vision, which will revive a 200 hectare area of the city.

The scheme is set to be Salford’s biggest ever housing-led regeneration project – with 1,600 new homes being built and refurbishment work on more than 1,200 existing properties.

Councillor Gena Merrett, Assistant Mayor for Housing and Environment at Salford City Council, said: “The plans that were approved today bring us one step closer to realising our vision for Pendleton.

"Not only will the scheme create better housing for residents, it will also bring the community together, with new public spaces, green spaces and community facilities.

“It was really important that these plans gave the community what they want and need, which is why there has been significant consultation with local people to shape the plans for the development. Now that we have approved plans the contractors will be able to get on site and start creating a new Pendleton.”

Plans to create a new Pendleton began back in 2003, with the council launching a Private Finance Initiative to help deliver a major investment needed in the area’s housing stock.

A nine-year consultation process followed with local people helping to shape the proposals for their communities.

In June this year the SP+ consortium, led by the Together Housing Group, was chosen to carry out the work after a four year bidding process.

The consortium, which includes a housing association, house builder, bank, architect and various development specialists, is now set to get to begin work on the first phase of the development later this year – which includes refurbishing the area’s nine multi-storey blocks.

Along with work to improve homes the project also involves the creation of new streets and footpaths, an array of parks and open spaces, allotments, sports pitches, a shopping parade, community facilities and a city farm.

Tom Miskell, Group Chief Executive at the Together Housing Group, said: “We’re delighted to have secured planning permission for such a major project.

“For the last four years we have been working closely with both the council and the people of Pendleton to help shape our proposals. We’re now looking forward to delivering our scheme and creating neighbourhoods that the people of Pendleton can be proud of, both now and in the future.”

GVA advised on planning for the development.