Photographs: Artist’s impressions show how the homes will look once completed. Building company Forrest has won the contract to deliver the next phase of City West Housing Trust’s multi-million pound high rise programme. Preston-based Forrest was chosen following a competitive exercise that was led by City West’s customers. Four high rise blocks in Eccles will be rejuvenated internally and externally over the next two years which will include designs influenced by Salford icon, LS Lowry. Lowry’s famous use of ivory, black, vermillion, Prussian blue, yellow ochre and flake white will be captured in the Eccles skyline as all sides of blocks will be tastefully coloured using his signature palette. The colour scheme on the blocks will take into account the different angles the blocks will be viewed from with particular emphasis on the visual impact for people in the area. The work will see energy efficient doors and windows fitted, insulated render fitted, grounds landscaped and communal areas refurbished. Interiors will be given a significant makeover with new kitchens and bathrooms installed and homes re-wired. The work using the latest energy efficient technology throughout will cut fuel bills and COâ‚‚ emissions by more than 40 per cent. City West’s Director of Asset Management, Colette McKune, said: “Forrest has experience of carrying out such work to high rise blocks and presented a very comprehensive package with great focus on customer liaison which is a crucial aspect of our work. “We are looking forward to working with them as we continue our investment programme to create sustainable homes and inspirational communities that people are proud of.” Lee McCarren, Chief Executive of Forrest said: “We were thrilled to be awarded the contract for delivering this exciting programme for City West. The mixture of green technologies with an extensive refurbishment programme are going to help make the blocks modern, vibrant places to live. “City West share our own great passion for delivering outstanding quality and customer care, we’re really excited to start work on site.”
