Regeneration firm appointed to £56m affordable homes scheme

HOUSING and regeneration specialist Keepmoat has been appointed to deliver the £56m scheme for 429 new homes in the Charlestown Riverside area of Salford.

As well as new housing, training and employment opportunities there will be improved public spaces.

Working in partnership with Salford City Council, Keepmoat says it will provide a range of high quality two, three and four bedroom homes at an affordable price for local people as well as attracting new residents from further afield. 

Up to 20% of the homes will be available for rent or shared ownership through Great Places Housing Group.

The landmark development, which covers 18 acres along the bank of the River Irwell, is expected to progress over an eight-year period.

Keepmoat is already working with Salford City Council on a major regeneration project in the Pendleton area worth £650m. 

More than 1,600 new homes are under construction and 1,250 homes are being given a makeover.

With a further 429 homes now given the seal of approval, Keepmoat says it is confident the revitalised neighbourhood will attract first time buyers, keen to utilise the government backed Help to Buy initiative to purchase their first home with a deposit as low as 5%.

Gareth Roberts, operations director for Keepmoat in the North West said: “We are deepening Keepmoat’s strong relationship with Salford City Council and are delighted to now be delivering another ground breaking scheme for the region.

“The new Charlestown Riverside site will serve to tackle both the regional and national housing shortage, as well as the skills crisis in the construction industry.

“We are supporting Salford’s economic ambitions to improve the quality and diversity of housing choices across the City; while creating a step-change in housing options for local people which will attract new families in to the neighbourhood.

“As part of the project, we will also be working with the Council and Great Places Housing Group to offer training and apprenticeship opportunities.”

Councillor Gena Merrett, executive lead member for housing and environment at Salford City Council, said:  “It’s is fantastic news that works are about to start on this exciting new development.  It will create new places for people to live and I look forward to seeing families move in and enjoy their new homes.”

Pete Bojar, director of development at Great Places Housing Group, said: “We are delighted to be involved in the partnership for Charlestown Riverside which will help provide much-needed new homes and job opportunities for the area.

“We will be selling some of our homes through shared ownership which offers people the chance to get on to the property ladder.”
 
The scheme will incorporate 8.5 acres of improved open space and public realm; which will include a new play area, a football pitch and a waterside cycle and pedestrian route, including a trim-trail.