Work set to start on new Swinton homes after contract award

Work is set to start later this year on the first phase of a major development to build more than 160 new homes in Salford.

Housing provider Salix Homes has awarded housing and regeneration specialists Galliford Try Partnerships the contract to carry out the first two of four phases that will see new affordable and rented properties on the Beechfarm Estate, also known as the Poets Estate, in Swinton.

This is the latest chapter in a scheme where the local housing provider has been working closely with the Poets Estate Steering Group, made up of residents, councillors and representatives from the social housing provider, to develop proposals for an area of the estate where a number of properties are affected by structural issues.

The steering group voted in favour of redevelopment and as part of the proposals, the whole of the scheme will see 146 affected properties demolished and replaced with 161 new homes.

The affected homes on the estate are located on Blantyre Street, Shakespeare Road, Stevenson Road, Tennyson Road, Kingsley Road and Wordsworth Road.

The construction company have also pledged to bringing in local trade for the work, as part of Salix Homes’ commitment to support one local person into work or training every day of the year by 2020.

Sue Sutton, executive director of operations at Salix Homes, said: “Since we becoming a stand-alone housing provider last year, we made a commitment to local residents to work with them to redevelop the Beechfarm estate.

“This represents our first house building project and awarding this contract to renowned construction firm Galliford Try Partnerships, marks a pivotal moment for the development that will ultimately breathe new life into this vibrant community.

“We have worked very closely with the community throughout this process and we appreciate this has been a long process for everyone involved – but we will continue to keep residents involved every step of the way as we begin work on the ground later this year.”

The new homes will be prioritised for the current tenants whose properties are affected.

The remaining 41, of the 161 new properties, will be for sale or shared ownership.

Work on the first phase is expected to start in November and residents will get the chance to ask any questions to Galliford Try Partnerships and Salix Homes at a special “Meet the Contractor” event on Wednesday, October 12, at Fletcher Hall, Vicarage Road, Swinton, M27 0WA (4-7pm).

Brendan Blythe, managing director of Galliford Try Partnerships North West said: “This is a significant development for us and one we’re excited to be involved with.

“Bringing our experience of building sustainable communities we will strive to create affordable homes that local people can be proud of for future generations to come.”

The first two phases will see 60 properties demolished and 70 new homes built – along with improvements to the street scene and environment.

The whole of the scheme is expected to be completed by summer 2019.