Work is underway on a multi-million pound redevelopment project that will bring more than 100 affordable homes to Salford.
Housing association Salix Homes has appointed partner contractor Willmott Dixon Partnership Homes Ltd to deliver the £22.5million Canon Green Campus development on Canon Green Drive in Trinity.
The project will see 1960s tower block Canon Green Court completely transformed and modernised, along with neighbouring apartment block Westminster House, which will undergo an external facelift.
A brand new 11-storey apartment block is being built within the grounds of the expansive site, comprising of 108 one and two-bedroom affordable apartments, which will be available under the Rent to Buy scheme.
Contractors are now on site with both the refurbishment and the new-build construction set to run concurrently over the next two years.
Lee Sugden, chief executive at Salix Homes, said:
“The start of work on our Canon Green Campus development marks a pivotal moment for Salix Homes and for Salford, and we look forward to seeing work progress on site over the next two years.
“This is the largest affordable housing development in the area and we are confident that this ambitious scheme will make a valuable contribution to delivering the high quality, affordable homes that Salford desperately needs.
“Canon Green Court is an iconic building on the city’s skyline, but it has suffered from lack of investment over the years. We are proud that we can now deliver on our promise to the existing residents to refurbish their homes and create modern apartments fit for the future.”
The refurbishment at Canon Green Court includes new kitchens, bathrooms, heating systems, sprinkler systems and exterior re-facing and insulation.
Anthony Dillon, managing director of Willmott Dixon in the North, said:
“With our track-record for creating new homes in Greater Manchester, we’re proud to be working alongside Salix Homes on what is a much-needed, exciting and transformational investment for the Salford community.
“Together, we share a commitment to leaving a lasting legacy for existing and future residents who will continue to play a central role in shaping these plans.”
Willmott Dixon was recently awarded The Queen’s Award for Enterprise in the category of Promoting Opportunity, recognising its work in leaving long-lasting communities, promoting social wellbeing and helping those from disadvantaged backgrounds into sustainable employment.
The multi-million pound development, which has been partially funded thanks to a £3.8million grant from Homes England for the new block, is expected to be completed in spring 2021.