The first phase of major improvement work to thousands of homes across Salford has been completed, say Salix Homes.
Work began in April to revamp almost 400 properties in Ordsall and Weaste, following the transfer of more than 8,300 homes from Salford Council to Salix earlier this year.
The project marked the start of the housing association’s two-year investment programme, which will see 2,200 homes undergo £22m of much needed improvements including new kitchens, bathrooms, windows and doors.
Contractor Emanuel Whittaker has just added the finishing touches to 230 homes on the Tootal Estate in Weaste, while building specialist A Connolly has completed improvements to 166 homes in South Ordsall.
South Ordsall tenant and mum-of-six Jolene Knight has had a new kitchen fitted in her home and is thrilled with the work.
She said: “I absolutely love my new kitchen and it’s made a big difference for me and my family. I just love spending time in the kitchen, I practically live in there now.”
The second phase of improvement work has now begun, which will see essential improvements carried out to a further 250 homes at the Meadowgate estate in Seedley and the Gerald Road estate in Charlestown.
Mark Foster, head of investment at Salix Homes, said: “The first phase of our significant investment programme to social housing in Salford has now drawn to a close and we are incredibly proud of the fact that almost 400 families are now enjoying their new and improved homes.
“As we continue with our ambitious investment plans for our communities, we are confident that we can create a modern, sustainable and fit-for purpose homes of which we can all be proud.”
Over the next five years, Salix Homes will invest £75million in improving homes and communities across Salford to ensure that every property meets the Government’s Decent Homes standard by 2020.
John Gallagher, contracts director at Emanuel Whittaker said: “It’s testament to the dedication and hard work of our site team, and that of Salix Homes, that the first phase of the work on the Tootal Estate has been successfully completed, on time and on budget.
“Replacing kitchens and bathrooms is quite disruptive for tenants, however, we are delighted to have achieved 100 per cent satisfaction and we are looking forward to replicating that success in phase two.”
Simon Harrison, managing director at A Connolly, added: “We’re delighted to have had such a positive impact on the refurbishment of homes on the South Ordsall estate. We will apply the same focus on quality, skills development and service levels for Gerald Road residents that has enabled us to add value and bring enhanced standards of living to the resident of Salix Homes.”
Main image: Jolene Knight (front), Salix Homes project officer Vicky Marsh, Mark Foster, head of investment at Salix Homes, Dave Hulme, site manager at A Connolly, and Carla Whitworth, tenant liaison officer at A Connolly.
