COUNCIL TO BUILD NEW APARTMENTS TO SUPPORT CITY RESIDENTS AT RISK OF HOMELESSNESS

Construction is set to get underway to refurbish a former family centre in Little Hulton into apartments for Salford residents at risk of homelessness.

Councillors on Salford City Council’s Procurement Board today (Wednesday 16 February) greenlit the awarding of a contract to deliver four one-bedroom apartments at the site in Wingate Road. The apartments are the first four of 28 to be delivered in 2022 with the council undertaking wider work in partnership with organisations to create a range of affordable homes to address homelessness in the city.

The apartments are self-contained supported housing and will help the council meet the city's acute needs by providing essential move-on accommodation units for those looking to move out of emergency housing.

Deputy City Mayor Councillor Tracy Kelly, Lead Member for Housing, Property and Regeneration said:

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“We continue to face a critical shortage of affordable housing in Salford and amongst this, we have very few move-on options available to those who are without a home of their own.

“These apartments will therefore provide a real lifeline to those who are struggling. They will ensure they are able to have a roof above their head, an opportunity to live independently and get access to intensive onsite support to help them permanently move away from homelessness.”

 

The council currently houses 314 people who have slept rough or remain at risk of rough sleeping which underlines the need for this type of housing.

The refurbishment will ensure the homes are delivered to a good green standard, producing less carbon than before and the two ground floor apartments will also be accessible for wheelchair users. The building was previously used by the council’s children services and following decommission, it was decided it would be better utilised as a property for move-on accommodation.

Eccles-based building contractor Schofield and Sons was awarded the contract with work on the new homes expected to start later this month and finish in May. The £190k project is being funded from a successful bid to the government’s Rough Sleepers Accommodation Programme.