Member Article

Historic Salford building transformed after standing empty for 25 years

A landmark building in Salford –stood empty for a quarter of a century – has been transformed into 41 new affordable apartments.

Quay House, formerly the old Employment Services Centre on Trafford Road in Ordsall, has been transformed into a modern apartment block thanks to housing association Salix Homes, development company Endeavour and Salford Council’s Empty Homes Team.

The building has been completely rejuvenated and modernised, providing much-needed affordable one and two bedroom homes in Salford.

Councillor Paul Longshaw, Salford City Council’s lead member for housing and neighbourhoods, said: “It is a crying shame to see buildings in Salford that should be lived in but instead are lying empty, so it’s great to see Quay House back in use for local people.

“Reducing the number of empty homes and properties is very important to us and we’ve had a real hard push over the years to put this right and will continue to do so through our Empty Homes Team and partners. Almost one home a day has been brought back to life over the past six years in Salford.”

The building has stood empty since it was targeted during the infamous Salford summer riots in 1992 when several council and government buildings were left damaged.

The building is now owned by Manchester-based development company Endeavour, and Salix Living – the private sector leasing arm of Salix Homes – will be leasing and managing the new homes.

Edward Sawford, Salix Living and leasehold services manager at Salix Homes, said: “There are currently 7,000 people on the housing waiting list in Salford, so not only has a landmark building been brought back into use, but we’re also providing much-needed affordable homes for local people.

“Everyone deserves to live in a home that they can afford and the housing sector needs to think smarter and look at bringing more empty properties, like Quay House, back into use and we will continue to work with our partners to ensure empty properties across Salford can be transformed to provide decent homes.”

Jonathan Gwynne and Stephen Gray, owners of Endeavour, have plans for around 1,000 new homes in Salford.

They added: “We’re delighted to complete a challenging project with financial support from Salford City Council and the support of Salix Living, which will be managing the building’s day-to-day business.

“These homes are to a high-quality standard at affordable rent in an amazing location and I’m sure it won’t be long before they are all occupied.”

The project was partially funded through Empty Homes Funding from the Homes and Communities Agency. If you’re interested in leasing one of the apartments at Quay House, contact Salix Living on 0800 218 200 or go to www.salixliving.org

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Hayley Collins .