£11million tower block transformation complete

A major improvement project at five ageing Salford tower blocks has been completed, marking the end of an £11 million redevelopment of high rise living in the heart of city.

Over the past four years Salix Homes has worked alongside contractor Emanuel Whittaker to regenerate the neighbouring tower blocks in the Greengate area.

A dramatic transformation of Greyfriar Court and Riverbank and Newbank Towers has just been finished, completing the final piece in the jigsaw of the tower block transformation.

Last year, improvement work was completed at Whitefriar Court, and in summer 2013 the finishing touches were made to Blackfriar Court, totally transforming the blocks, which were built during the 1960s.

In total, 447 flats have been completely refurbished and fitted with new kitchens, bathrooms, doors, windows and heating systems.

The recent completion of £6.6 million worth of improvements at Riverbank and Newbank Towers has seen the two 16-storey blocks undergo a dramatic facelift. Both buildings have been fully rendered, cladded and painted in striking colours chosen by the residents.

Last November, tenants in Salford voted to transfer 8,500 homes from Salford City Council to Salix Homes in a move that will unlock a £75million investment in homes and communities over the next five years, enabling similar improvements in homes across the city.

Mark Foster, head of property services at Salix Homes, said: “This significant investment in the Greengate area of Salford has totally transformed these five landmark buildings into vibrant, modern homes fit for the 21st century.

“Salix Homes is committed to making a difference to our tenants’ homes, lives and communities and this regeneration project is testament to that. These blocks form an iconic part of the Salford skyline and now they can stand proud for generations to come.

“This investment provides a bold statement of our aspirations to make a difference to not only our tenants’ lives, but to the city of Salford, and thanks to residents voting to transfer their homes from the council to us, we can ensure all our tenants have modern, energy efficient homes, like these fantastic properties in Greengate.”

John Gallagher, contracts director at Emanuel Whittaker, added: “We are very proud to have played such a pivotal role in the regeneration of this area. Our teams have been working alongside Salix Homes’ tenants for several years and during that time we have developed some great relationships.

“This investment by Salix Homes demonstrates how the right resources can transform tired tower blocks into homes that residents can be proud of – inside and out.”