Artist’s impressions unveiled for ageing residential block

A bold new vision for an ageing building on a key gateway into MediaCity has been unveiled.

Housing association Salix Homes has revealed the first artist’s impressions for a £300,000 facelift at Ailsa House on Langworthy Road, Salford.

The residential building, which houses 24 apartments, sits on a main route into MediaCity at Salford Quays and is in desperate need of modernisation.

Salix Homes, which owns 8,500 homes across central Salford, will work alongside Oldham-based building specialists Emanuel Whittaker to transform the apartment block as part of a wider £22m investment in social housing across Salford over the next two years.

Mark Foster, head of investment at Salix Homes, said: “Ailsa House was built in the 1960s and is in desperate need of modernisation, so this development marks a major milestone in our £22million investment programme to homes and communities across the city, which will greatly improve the quality of life of our tenants.

“The apartment block sits on a key route into MediaCity, so we are very proud to be able to deliver these essential improvements which will complement the wider regeneration in Salford and ensure our tenants have modern and desirable homes they can be proud of.”

Externally the building will undergo a dramatic transformation, complete with new windows and doors and the old balconies will be replaced with modern, glass balconies.

John Gallagher, contracts director at Emanuel Whittaker added: “We are really excited to be helping to give Ailsa House a much-needed makeover. Not only will the residents be able to appreciate their new and improved homes, but externally everyone can enjoy the new look of this landmark building.”

The improvement work is expected to get underway in November, subject to planning approval, and is due to be completed by next summer.

Following the transfer of 8,500 homes from Salford Council to Salix Homes earlier this year, the housing provider is carrying out much-needed improvements to 2,200 homes in Salford over the next two years.