Local residents have made their mark on the £300,000 renovation of 24 homes in Salford.
Lasting memories – many of which to loved ones – have been engraved into refurbished planters outside Ailsa House, on Langworthy Road.
Resident Francis McNulty, who has lived in his property for more than 20 years, wanted to engrave his memorial to his late wife Suzy – who passed away five years ago.
The Salford housing association and its contractors Emanuel Whittaker wanted to give residents the opportunity to inscribe a message, name or date into bricks that are now a permanent fixture at the newly-refurbished housing block*.
Francis, aged 65, said: “When we got told that we each had a brick that we could inscribe it was always going to be in memory of my wife.
“I’m Salford born and bred and I have loved living here for over 20 years. So did Suzy.
“She would have been delighted with the way the apartments now look after the refurbishment. I’ve seen many people outside admiring the building – including families saying they love the colours.”
Tenants even got involved with laying some of the bricks on the new walls which lead up to the main entrance.
Ailsa House’s apartments have also benefited from new windows and doors, and a modern glass balcony has replaced the old deck access balcony in front of the homes.
Located on a key Salford gateway to Media City, it is now looking modern and stylish – inside and outside.
Sue Sutton, Executive Director of Operations at Salix Homes, said: “We are delighted to see the completion of Ailsa House’s modern makeover. Alongside our contractors Emanuel Whittaker we wanted to get the residents involved and for them to stamp their mark on the building’s much-needed new look.”
“The engraved bricks are a lovely touch which have really brought the front of the block to life. They will provide a lasting memory of those who have lived here and live here for future generations to enjoy and reflect on.”
John Millward, site manager from Emanuel Whittaker, said: “The engraved bricks really caught the imagination of the residents who were really keen to get involved.
“It’s not only the residents that love them – passers-by have commented on the transformation of Ailsa House.”
Earlier this month (August), residents joined councillors and representatives from Salix Homes and Emanuel Whittaker in officially marking the completion of the work on Ailsa House.
Work to improve the block externally builds on a modernisation programme which was delivered in 2014. New kitchens and bathrooms were fitted, alongside new heating systems and electrical rewiring work.
Salix Homes investment at Ailsa House is part of a £22 million boost into 2,200 homes and communities across Salford over the next two years.
