£600,000 facelift on Salford’s ‘steel’ homes is complete

Salix Homes has completed a major improvement programme to more than 60 steel-built homes on Salford’s Weaste estate.

Residents of 67 homes have benefited from new kitchens, bathrooms, windows, doors, electrics and heating systems – while the properties’ distinctive exteriors have been given a modern makeover.

Salix Homes’ construction partner on the £600,000 renovation project is Oldham-based building specialists Emanuel Whittaker.

The pre-fabricated steel-framed houses on the estate were built just after the Second World War, as part of a major drive nationally to quickly build millions of new homes.

The non-traditional method of construction became popular following the war as part of efforts to address the housing shortage at the time.

Mark Foster, service director of investment at Salix Homes, said: “When these homes were built they represented the cutting edge of house building techniques. They were among the first of the millions of pre-fabricated homes which would go on to be built across the country – helping tackle the post war housing shortage.

“At the time they were just what the country needed – affordable new homes which could be built quickly and easily.

“We wanted to bring these properties into the 21st century. Unlike many pre-fab homes of the era they were built to last with a lifespan which is comparable to brick built properties.

“We’ve given them a new look inside and out which has managed to retain their distinctive appearance. We’ve achieved this by painting both sections of the homes’ external walls – the rendered bottom half and uPVC clad top half.

“Inside, residents have benefited from a range of improvements to their homes, which have made them nicer to live in.”

Salix Homes is investing £22 million in homes and communities across Salford over the next two years. Following the transfer of more than 8,300 homes from Salford City Council to Salix Homes last year, much-needed improvements are being delivered to 2,200 homes across the city.

Roy Sturtivant, of Parkfield, who has lived in one of the refurbished homes for more than 40 years, said: “My wife and I are delighted with the work that has been carried out on our home.

“We’ve had a new kitchen and bathroom, as well as new front and back doors. The outside of the house looks great as do the rest of the properties on the street.

“We also got to choose the colour of door we wanted and the choice was easy. It was always going to red, as I’m a big Manchester United fan.

“Seriously, the workmen have been great and a big thank you goes to Emanuel Whitaker and Salix Homes.”

John Gallagher, director at Emanuel Whitaker, said: “It’s been great to be involved in this particular project where we have been able to see those post war building techniques first hand.

“This project willensure that the steel-built homes will be around for many years to come which is good news for residents who are very happy with their unique properties.”