City West submits plans for Eccles tower blocks

SALFORD-based housing association City West has submitted plans for a multi-million pound scheme to revive four of 12 high-rise tower blocks in Eccles.

The organisation is planning an LS Lowry-inspired refit with colours commonly used by the painter such as ivory, black, vermilion, Prussian blue, yellow ochre and flake white present throughout.

The colour scheme will take into account the different angles from which they will be viewed with particular emphasis on the impact for people in the area.
Some 349 homes will be redeveloped within the four blocks – Craunton, Cremer, Ewood and Kemball House.

EcoPods will be fitted to replace existing expensive electric storage heaters and a cascade boiler system, which uses the minimum amount of energy to heat homes and provide hot water, will cut fuel costs and carbon emissions by more than 40%.

A new building management system will also help to reduce energy use, while external upgrades to the 50 year-old blocks should also improve their thermal performance.

City West Housing Trust’s director of asset management, Colette McKune, said: “It is really important that our properties are not seen simply as bricks and mortar but make people proud of their homes, feel part of the community and inspire them to lead more prosperous lives.

“That is why we have taken inspiration from a local iconic figure like LS Lowry.

“Not only are his famous ‘medium’ colours his signature but they provide us with the opportunity to tastefully breathe new life into the blocks and transform the Eccles skyline while building customers’ allegiance with their homes.”

Preston-based Forrest has been appointed as the contractor to carry out the work.