Planning approved for extra-care dementia friendly development in Salford

Salford-based housing association, Salix Homes has secured planning approval for an extra-care dementia friendly development of 70 apartments on Arrow Street in Salford.

The scheme, which consists of one- and two-bedroom apartments for social rent, has been designed in partnership with Salford City Council and Clinical Commissioning Group to provide much needed specialist accommodation for older peoplewho require a level of care and support.

Terry McBride, development manager at Salix Homes will be overseeing the development of the site, he said: “Extra care housingprovides self-contained accommodation for older people whohavecare and supportneeds. The project at Arrow Street will be the first extra care scheme that we, as Salix Homes, have undertaken. Undertaking a new project such as Arrow Street reflects our ambition to provide high quality accommodation to those who need it most.”

The 2.1-acre site was previously made up of a row of terrace houses which were demolished over ten years ago. Since the clearance, the site has been left vacant as open land.

Paul Walsh, Assistant Director of Integrated Commissioning for Salford City Council and Salford Clinical Commissioning Group said “This exciting development is part of Salford’s strategic ambition to create new living environments that support people’s independence and wellbeing. We are very proud to be working in partnership with Salix Homes in this joint venture and look forward to the completed development providing a fantastic living experience for people in Salford.”

In addition to the spacious designed apartments, residents will be able to access communal facilities including a café, hairdressers and yoga/fitness studio.

This year also marks five years since Salix Homes became an independent housing association following its tenants voting in favour of the ownership of the homes transferring from Salford City Council to the organisation.

Lee Sugden,CEO of Salix Homes, said: “Arrow Street is the first extra care scheme that we have undertaken as a housing association and we are thrilled to be taking this step towards providing quality homes for some of the most vulnerable people in our society. We hope the residents will also be able to make use of the extra communal facilities that have been added to this project which really raises the bar in terms of what is expected historically from a typical extra care scheme.

The project has been designed by Architects, OMI. Adam Gray, senior associate at OMI Architects, said: “The proposals for the Arrow Street site will provide high quality extra-care and dementia friendly residential accommodation for people;over the age of 55. Comprised of three connected blocks, the building will provide 70 dwellings with communal facilities and feature a landscaped garden. The architectural expression of bay fronts and dormer windows echoes that of the site’s original Melbourne Street terraces.”