Communities and Local Government Secretary Eric Pickles MP has visited Ancoats in Manchester to see the Three Towers project, which is transforming formerly derelict tower blocks into new homes for the rental market.
Work is currently taking place to provide 192 new one and two bedroom apartments in Chippenham, Saltford and Rodney Court towers, which will incorporate significant energy efficiency measures.
The buildings had remained empty for many years, and previous attempts to redevelop them had stalled as a result of the economic downturn. The project to bring the towers back into residential use is now being undertaken by a partnership between Manchester City Council, Ancoats Residential Holdings and Rowlinsons Constructions, and was kickstarted by a Build to Rent loan approved by the Homes and Communities Agency - the first development in the country to receive such a loan.
The blocks have been stripped inside and out, and work is now underway to entirely refurbish the structures, incorporating significant energy efficient measures designed to reduce both carbon emissions and minimise energy bills. The new apartments are being designed to maximise use of the available space in the buildings, with layouts being remodelled to create large and bright living spaces.
Mr Pickles toured the interior of one of the buildings and was taken up to the roof, where he was shown the transformation of Ancoats and the surrounding areas which have taken place. He also met some of the apprentices who have been employed to work on the scheme.
Managing Director of Rowlinson Constructions David Roberts said: “I am delighted that we are part of this exciting project, which will see highly energy efficient apartments completed to an exceptionally high standard. I am also pleased that the development has provided us with an opportunity to extend our training partnership with Manchester College, and that we have awarded major sub contract orders to several newly-established local specialist contractors to complement our existing supply chain.”
“These positive contributions to social and economic sustainability of the area have been facilitated by the Build to Rent Loan Funding, and the desire of Manchester City Council, the Homes and Communities Agency and Ancoats Residential Holdings to deliver a scheme to meet the demand for Private Rental Sector in Manchester.”
The redevelopment works will be completed on the Saltford block by December 2014, with completion on the other two blocks by March 2015.
