More empty properties transformed

Five empty homes have been brought back to life in Salford thanks to Seedley and Langworthy Trust (SALT).

The properties, with a total of fourteen bedrooms, have been given a makeover and will be made available to families in housing need at affordable rents.

Based in the Langworthy, Weaste and Seedley areas of the city, the properties have been completely transformed thanks to a funding boost from the Empty Homes Communities Grant Programme and Salford City Council.

The project started when SALT were successful in securing a £458,000 bid from the Empty Homes Communities Grant Programme to buy empty properties in the city in need of improvements.

The trust was loaned an additional £40,000 from Salford City Council to renovate the properties and make them ready for families to move in.

All the improvement work is being carried out by B4Box, a company that refurbishes properties while supporting and training young and unemployed local people into employment.

The revamped houses will then be handed over to Salix Homes to find new tenants and manage the properties on behalf of SALT through its private renting arm Salix Living.

Seedley and Langworthy Trust support and represent local people in the regeneration of the Seedley and Langworthy area and develop community enterprises which meet the needs of local people.

Gerry Stone Chair of SALT said: “These properties are a real asset to the area, creating quality homes for local people and removing the blight of empty homes on our streets. The rents will help with the sustainable future of SALT allowing us to support the local community throughout the regeneration of the area.

Councillor Gena Merrett, Assistant Mayor for Housing and Environment at Salford City Council, said: “This is a fantastic way to breathe new life into areas and provide decent homes for people who need them most.I wish the new tenants all the best with their new life.

Edward Sawford, private sector leasing manager at Salix Living, added: “Salix Living is delighted to add these fantastic properties to its portfolio of private affordable housing and we look forward to welcoming the first tenants into their new homes.

There are currently more than 11,000 people on the housing register in Salford and a shortage of affordable housing. As well as managing homes for landlords across the city, schemes like this have helped us bring empty properties back into use which in turn not only helps reduce the housing waiting list, but also helps prevents neighbourhood decline and supports sustainable communities where residents can be proud to live and work.

These new homes follow the 2,500 empty properties that have been brought back into life in the city over the past two and a half years. Work is already continuing to refurbish hundreds more.

Providing affordable housing is a key priority for Salford City Council as it seeks to provide nearly 3,000 affordable homes in the city between 2007 and 2018. So far just over half have been delivered, supporting over 4,000 construction and related jobs including apprenticeships.