Building on what matters to residents
Welcome to the latest stakeholder bulletin from Irwell Valley Homes.
We know that quality homes and good housing services are fundamental to supporting people to live well, and strong partnerships are central to achieving this.
Whether you're a long-standing partner or a newly elected councillor getting to know us, we hope this update provides an insight into our work and the role housing plays in supporting healthier communities, delivering opportunities for residents, and boosting economic growth.
Amid a changing local, regional and national political landscape, it is encouraging to see affordable housing remain firmly on the agenda. Demand remains high, pressures on homelessness services are growing and housing providers are balancing the need to invest in existing homes while building new homes that people urgently need.
Against this backdrop, we are pleased to have launched our new plan to 2030, ‘Building on what matters’. It reflects what we have heard from residents, colleagues and partners about what matters most to them and reaffirms our purpose of helping people to live well. Our three priorities for the years ahead are:
- Delivering quality homes and trusted services.
- Providing a good customer and colleague experience.
- Nurturing strong, sustainable communities.
You can hear more about it in our short film here.
As we move forward, we want to work well with you to drive the best outcomes we can for the people we serve.
Please take a few minutes to complete our short survey and tell us how we can collaborate with you to create greater impact for local communities. Click here to complete the survey or scan the QR code below.
If you'd like to visit one of the neighbourhoods we serve and see our work first hand, we'd be delighted to arrange this. Email us at communications@irwellvalley.co.uk to set this up.
Kind regards,
Sasha Deepwell
Chief Executive, Irwell Valley Homes
Pioneering renewable energy project helps cut customers' costs
We've completed England's first pilot using smart technology to divert surplus renewable electricity that would otherwise go to waste into customers' homes to reduce energy costs.
Our work with Scottish Power Electricty North West and charity, EnergyCloud, has seen us install the device in 16 homes in Old Trafford. Electricity generated through wind power which hasn’t been used is pushed out through the device and used to heat water.
This pioneering approach supports our commitment to make our homes both kinder to the planet and our customers’ pockets.
We’re now moving forward with plans to install the devices in 38 homes in Trafford, at one of our independent living schemes for older people.
We’re recording the data as we move forward to help us measure the impact on customers’ bills.
From karaoke nights to summer barbecues – welcome to our new supported housing in Bury
Our latest supported housing development in Bury is providing much-needed new homes for adults with learning disabilities to live independently with access to personalised support.
The Willows offers 13 new homes delivered in partnership with commissioners from Bury Council, helping to meet local need in the area.
You can hear from Darren, one of the new residents, in the film above.
He loves his new home and the shared facilities, which include a lovely lounge – the venue for karaoke sessions which he enjoys – and the garden, where he’s looking forward to barbecues this summer.
From temporary accommodation to a forever home
Mazen moved into one of our new homes in Salford with his wife and four children after three and a half years in different temporary accommodation across the region.
Home is now one of 18 new energy efficient houses available at an affordable rent, built as part of the transformation of an area of former peatland in Swinton.
Mazen said: “Now we are settled in a safe, secure home we can focus on the future and what’s next for our lives.
“The house has everything we need – space for us to be together as a family, places to study, cook and enjoy meals in together. For many years, we didn’t have this – where we lived was cramped and overcrowded. It was always on my mind about what might happen next.
“Now those worries and distractions are gone. We can finally move forward.”
Listening to customers to find tailored solutions
When Lorna, one of our customers in Haughton Green, approached us with a safety concern linked to the electric heating in her home, we worked closely with her to find a solution.
Lorna's daughter lives with Pica - a condition that leads people to eat inedible items - and had attempted to chew the casing and wiring of a wall heater in the living room. After removing the immediate risk by taking down the heater, we installed ceiling-mounted heating panels to keep the home warm while ensuring the heating remained safely out of reach.
Lorna said: "The difference has been life changing. It's given me so much peace of mind. Sometimes with children with special needs, you feel like you're fighting to be heard, but I felt like Irwell Valley Homes really listened and understood our needs."
Unlocking the potential of housing-led regeneration in the north
We're proud to have contributed to the Northern Housing Consortium's Renew report, which highlights how housing-led regeneration could unlock up to 500,000 new homes across the North.
The report draws on learning from our Sale West regeneration in Trafford, where we've spent the last six years delivering new homes, improving existing properties and investing in the wider neighbourhood. The programme is now in its third phase, delivering new social rent homes, supported housing and an independent living scheme for older people.
We're now applying those lessons to our Haughton Green regeneration in Tameside, where we're planning to invest more than £68m over the next six years. Alongside improvements to existing homes - including new roofs, kitchens, insulation and solar panels - we're building new energy-efficient homes and replacing three ageing tower blocks with new purpose-built, modern apartments. Residents are helping to shape the plans as we work together to create a thriving neighbourhood for the future.
Read more about our regeneration work on our website here.
Ensuring the value of new homes is felt beyond those who move in
This month we’re welcoming customers into our new affordable rent apartments at Rivington Chase in Horwich.
Alongside delivering 116 new homes, the project has supported eight apprenticeships, restored historic Japanese gardens and provided career workshops for local students thanks to social value commitments from our construction partner Caddick.
The development has also resulted in donations to local charities, including Endeavour domestic abuse charity – who run a community hub from one of our homes in Calvert Road – and the Horwich Foodshare Foodbank.
It’s all ensuring that the benefits of developing new homes are felt beyond the people who move in.
Recognised as a leading housing employer
None of this valuable work would be possible without our colleagues, whose commitment helps deliver positive outcomes for customers and communities every day.
We're therefore delighted to have been recognised in Housing Today's inaugural Good Employer Guide, highlighting the support, opportunities and culture we provide for our people.
