Our award-winning regeneration of the Sale West estate has celebrated another important milestone - the handover of the first homes completed as part of phase 2.
The first four apartments include two ‘accessible-ready’ homes complete with level access, wider doorways and corridors and wet rooms.
Moving in soon will be Toby, who lives with osteoarthritis and mobility problems following an accident at work seven years ago.
When I saw the apartments listed, I couldn’t quite believe it – it seemed too good to be true! The space is fantastic – for so long I had no-where to call my own, but this will be my place. I can invite friends over, have my mum to stay. The fact it’s already set up for my needs with the level access, wet room and wider doorways is amazing. I’ll be able to fit my perching stools in, get a seat fitted in the shower room and there’s space to store my mobility scooter. These things will make such a difference.
The new homes will be let at affordable rent and have other features including triple glazing, electric heating and mechanical ventilation. The first are located on Hamilton Avenue, a new street we’re also creating to connect and open up the estate as part of the regeneration.
Sasha Deepwell, Chief Executive, said: "Accessible-ready apartments like these are in high demand in the area so we’re very pleased to be able to help meet this need through the regeneration programme.
"Hearing the stories of people like Toby, who have struggled for so long to find a place which is right for them, really drives home the value of what we are doing.
“Listening to his future plans and ambitions once he is settled in his new home sums up what this regeneration is all about – enabling people to live well in their home and community and to achieve their potential."
Leader of Trafford Council, Councillor Tom Ross, said: "Trafford Council is totally committed to providing more social and affordable homes across the borough and we are working with social housing providers like Irwell Valley Homes to achieve this.
"The regeneration of Sale West is a huge success and I am delighted with the progress we are making on the site. Best wishes to Toby – I hope he enjoys living in his new home.”
Meanwhile, we continue to make progress with phase 1 – with 60 of the 79 homes for social rent now completed.
We’re proud that in recent months the regeneration has been recognised in a raft of awards, acknowledging the impact the work is having.
This includes being highly commended in the Inside Housing Development Awards in the Best Regeneration Category; finalist in the Neighbourhood Transformation Category of the Affordable Housing Awards and shortlisted in the North-West Residential Property Awards – the result of which we’ll find out in January.