£7m tower block transformation begins

A MAJOR redevelopment project at three iconic Salford tower blocks has begun.
 
Work has started on ambitious plans for a £7m transformation of Mulberry, Magnolia and Sycamore Court in the heart of the Pendleton regeneration area.
 
Social housing provider Salix Homes is working alongside contractor Seddon to refurbish 281 properties across the three 17 storey tower blocks. The flats will be fitted with new kitchens, bathrooms, windows, doors and energy efficient heating systems.
 
Externally, the greying blocks will undergo a dramatic facelift and will be completely rendered, cladded and painted in new colours chosen by the residents.
 
The improvement work is part of a wider £22m investment project by Salix Homes made possible thanks to tenants voting to transfer ownership of 8,500 homes across central Salford from the council to Salix Homes.
 
The official transfer took place in March and over the next two years 2,200 homes across the city will undergo major improvements.
 
The housing provider will now be working with the local community and partners to decide on the colour scheme for each of the three blocks and the project is expected to be completed in spring 2017.
 
Mark Foster, head of investment Salix Homes, said: “This significant investment is the flagship scheme in the ambitious improvement programme of our homes and communities across Salford.
 
“These three blocks are in desperate need of investment, but not only will our proposals benefit the residents who live here, these high rise buildings form an iconic part of the Salford skyline and this major improvement work will ensure they stand proud for generations to come and compliment the wider regeneration of Pendleton.
 
“This level of investment would never have been possible if tenants had not voted to transfer their homes to us, so we now look forward to working closely with our tenants to create the kind of housing service that we can all be proud of and make sure all our tenants have the modern, vibrant and energy efficient homes they deserve.”
 
Simon Stott, contracts manager at Seddon, added: “This investment not only marks the start of major improvement works, but a pivotal moment for the tenants whose homes will be transformed thanks to the investment from Salix Homes. We look forward to working with Salix Homes to bring these ambitious plans to life.”