Housing chief David Orr got a first-hand look at how Pendleton’s skyline is changing forever following a £16 million makeover of three tower blocks.
The National Housing Federation Chief Executive was joined by Salford and Eccles MP and Shadow Treasury spokesperson Rebecca Long-Bailey and other guests to see the dramatic makeover of Spruce Court, Whitebeam Court and Hornbeam Court.
This is turning the blocks into stylish, modern apartment complexes with a spectacular view over the city.
The VIPs were given a guided tour of the refurbishment project, and visited the
digital heart of the region at University of Salford’s Media City campus.
At Media City attendees were given a chance to relive the past thanks to one of the 28 research projects being demonstrated, the University’s Occulus Rift augmented reality research project, a piece of wearable technology that allows the wearer to experience what life was like inside a virtual environment.
Each of the Pendleton 266 apartments have been refurbished with a new kitchen and bathroom, new double-glazed windows and decorated throughout.
New lifts, communal spaces and recycling facilities have also been added and the local areas have been extensively landscaped. It’s all part of the £650million project which is revolutionising life and creating new opportunities in Pendleton.
Work started in early 2014 and was completed in January 2016. The complex improvement programme, which will see a further six blocks of flats refurbished over the coming months, has taken place while the residents continued to live in their apartments.
David Orr, National Housing Federation Chief Executive, said: “This project is a fantastic example of how successfully we can meet the needs of local communities when we work together.
“I am impressed by the high quality of the homes, and the community-wide benefits the regeneration will have.
“Delivering more projects like this will be important if we are to ensure that everyone has a modern, energy efficient home to live in, and housing associations are ideally placed to help councils and private sector partners work together to deliver improvements like these. I hope that this project inspires similar initiatives across the country.”
Rebecca Long-Bailey, MP for Salford and Eccles, added: “In 2015 the skyline in Pendleton has really changed beyond belief and as you walk around the place you sometimes forget how different it was only a few years ago.
“That change is fantastic and there is a true dedication from the team towards creating mixed communities. You now can’t see the difference between towers in the Quays and towers in Pendleton and it’s impossible to see what houses are rented and owned”.
Spruce Court resident Garry Cooper said: “We are incredibly proud of Spruce, it looks like a completely new and modern apartment block. We now have modern homes that are comfortable, warm and economical to heat. As well as improving the homes we live in the regeneration is having a positive impact on the community as well. I’m really proud to call Pendleton my home.”
Cllr Paul Dennett, Strategic Assistant Mayor, said: “When travelling along the A6 into or out of Manchester you can’t help but notice the stunning transformation of these three tower blocks.
“They are a truly magnificent addition to Salford’s skyline. They have gone from an eyesore to iconic landmark. The impact of the £650million being invested in Pendleton is really beginning to show.”
The housing refurbishment project is being supported with academic excellence and student creativity from the University of Salford.
Mike Taylor, Head of Industry Partnerships at the University, added: “The University is absolutely focused on teaching and research. Developing our research excellence, improving our students experience and their employability are our top priorities.
“The university’s priorities are very much aligned with Pendleton Together’s strategic aims of improving the lives of the people their environment within Pendleton over the next 25 years and beyond.
Picture: Rebecca Long-Bailey MP, Steve Close (Together Housing Group Chief Executive), David Orr (National Housing Federation Chief Executive) and Frank Mondino (Keepmoat Area Director North West Region) outside the refurbished Spruce Court.
