New-look tower block trio transform Salford skyline

A multi million pound improvement project at a trio of ageing tower blocks in Salford has been completed.

For the past year Salix Homes has been working alongside builder and developer Seddon to deliver a £5 million investment programme at Oakhill Court, Cheshill Court and Ascot Court in Higher Broughton.

The three high rise buildings, which were built during the 1960s, have been completely rendered, cladded and painted in colours chosen by the residents, totally transforming the once greying tower bocks.
Internally, 214 flats have been refurbished, with properties at Oakhill Court and Cheshill Court, which are both 14 storey tower blocks, fitted with new kitchens and bathrooms.

Last month 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.

Mark Foster, our head of property services, said: This significant investment in Higher Broughton has brought a new lease of life to these high-rise properties, transforming the city skyline and providing our tenants with modern, energy efficient homes fit for the 21st century.

Thanks to tenants voting to transfer their homes from the council to us, we are now planning a £75 million programme of investment over the next five years, which will ensure that all our tenants will have a modern, energy efficient home, like these fantastic properties in Higher Broughton.

This latest regeneration work has brought all homes in the tower blocks up the Government’s Decent Homes Standard, and Salix Homes has made a commitment that all of its properties will reach that standard by 2020.

Cheshill Court tenant Nicola Costello is thrilled with her new-look home. She said: The changes are unbelievable. When it looks nicer from the outside, then it makes you want to do more on the inside. It feels like you are coming home to a home now, not just a block of flats.

Peter Jackson, chief operating officer at Seddon, said: The project has had a major impact on both the tenants living in the blocks and the surrounding community. Residents have had a say in the regeneration of their homes and we are proud to have delivered such a vital scheme for the area.