Member Article

Eyesore shops stood empty for 20 years transformed into affordable homes

Six derelict shops in Salford and Prestwich, some of which have stood empty for two decades, have been transformed into affordable homes.

The former commercial properties, five of which are located on Chapel Road in Rainsough Brow and one situated on Eccles New Road in Langworthy, have been completely revamped and converted into modern two-bedroom apartments for people in housing need at affordable rents.

The project to bring the empty buildings back into use has been carried out by Salix Living – the private sector leasing arm of Salford housing association Salix Homes, working alongside Salford Council and contractor Jackson Jackson and Sons.

The ambitious regeneration project received £255,000 from the Homes England Empty Homes Funding programme, and has given a new lease of life to the abandoned buildings, previously branded an eyesore.

Jonathan Drake, service director for Salix Living, said: “With more than 6,500 people on the housing waiting list in Salford alone, it’s a crying shame to see empty buildings left to go to rack and ruin when for a bit of investment they could be transformed into desperately needed housing.

“Some of these derelict shops have stood empty for around 20 years creating a real eyesore in the community, so we are delighted to bring them back to life, providing local people with a safe and affordable place to call home.

“To date, working with Salford Council and private landlords, Salix Living has created 173 new homes for local people at affordable rents, by bringing abandoned properties back into use, helping to unlock affordable living across Salford and Greater Manchester.

Richard Broadfield, is the first tenant to move into the new apartment on Eccles New Road. He said: “I think what Salix Living is doing with empty properties is fantastic for Salford. By taking an old building that was lying unused and totally converting it, they have turned it into a lovely new apartment for me and my son. We’re delighted with the property and can’t wait to settle in.”

Kieren Mcdonnell, managing director at Jackson Jackson and Sons, added: “We are proud to have partnered with Salix Living in the conversion of the disused shops into much needed affordable housing in Salford and Prestwich.

“Both projects involved significant challenges that required specialist construction knowledge that the Jackson team brings. The successful delivery of this work validates our position as a national leader in managing construction projects that improve and enhance facilities in our communities.”

Salix Living is currently working on further renovation projects across Salford to bring empty buildings back into use. This includes transforming The Star Inn - a disused pub in Eccles, into six new apartments which will available to rent in the near future, plus converting a disused shop on Lower Broughton Road, which is set to be completed in 2019.

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