Local and regional leaders working in housing and regeneration visited our Sale West estate to share learning and progress from our multi-million pound regeneration as it approaches completion of its third phase.
We've already delivered 101 new affordable homes on the estate, alongside improvements to existing homes and enhancements to the local environment.
Phase 3 is now nearing completion – delivering 66 energy efficient homes for social rent, including supported housing for adults with additional needs and homes specifically for older residents.
Local leaders from Trafford Council – including Cllr Tom Ross and Cllr Liz Patel – along with Sale West MP Connor Rand visited the estate to see the latest progress, ahead of us welcoming guests from the Northern Housing Consortium’s Renew inquiry during a visit to the region.
The Renew Inquiry, supported by Homes for the North and Muse, is exploring how regeneration can deliver growth, help tackle the housing crisis and strengthen communities across the North. Drawing on evidence from organisations responsible for around one million social homes – including Irwell Valley Homes and their experiences at Sale West - the inquiry has identified the potential to unlock more than 500,000 good-quality homes through regeneration, alongside wider social and economic benefits.
Sasha Deepwell, our Chief Executive, said: “At Sale West, we are demonstrating what can be achieved through long-term investment, strong partnerships and meaningful tenant engagement.
“Sharing our progress, good practice and lessons learned is so important to help drive more of the housing-led regeneration that can transform more neighbourhoods across the north and it has been fantastic to welcome people to the estate to find out more about our impact so far.
“With the right support and investment, we can unlock opportunities for more communities to benefit from the kind of lasting, positive change we've seen in Sale West."
As well as seeing the progress of the phase 3 homes – which are being built to the UK Net Zero Building Standard, making them warm and cheap to run for customers – guests met local people who have benefitted from new homes or opportunities linked to the regeneration. This included Sale West resident Bryan Lawrence, who is working as a labourer on phase 3 with contractor Tyson.
Bryan, who has previously worked building the city centre skyscrapers around Castlefield and Deansgate, said: “Getting this job has been such a boost.
“I love the security of having a regular wage again. I’m pleased to be part of what’s happening on the estate. It’s good to see the progress being made.”
Councillor Liz Patel, Trafford Council's Executive Member for Housing and Regeneration, said: "Trafford Council is totally committed to providing more affordable and social rent homes across the borough.
“We are proud to be working with our partner Irwell Valley Homes on this vision and delighted that phase 3 of this work is providing 66 energy efficient homes for social rent."
Councillor Tom Ross, Leader of Trafford Council, said: "Thank you so much to everyone who is working on this fantastic scheme. This Council is committed to providing a thriving economy and homes for all and bringing forward schemes to address the climate crisis, and that is exactly what Sale West is achieving."
The phase 3 homes, along with a new community allotment for residents, are due for completion at the start of 2027.