Willmott Dixon has landed another large residential scheme in Greater Manchester following recent work to build nearly 250 homes in Wythenshawe and Old Trafford.
In the latest deal, the company has been appointed by Salix Homes to deliver a £22.5 million scheme to create 100+ affordable homes at the Salford Canon Green Campus development on Canon Green Drive in Trinity.
Working with the architect Corstorphine & Wright, the project will see Willmott Dixon transform a 1960s-era tower block, Canon Green Court, with modern new kitchens, bathrooms, heating systems, sprinkler systems and exterior re-facing and insulation. The company will also provide an external facelift on the neighbouring Westminster House apartment block.
The redevelopment further involves Willmott Dixon building a new 11-storey apartment block within the grounds of the site, providing 108 one and two-bedroom affordable apartments, which will be available under the Rent-to-Buy scheme.
Both the refurbishment and new-build projects will run concurrently over the next two years. Lee Sugden, chief executive at Salix Homes, said: “The start of work on our Canon Green Campus development marks a pivotal moment for Salix Homes and for Salford, and we look forward to seeing work progress on site over the next two years.
“This is the largest affordable housing development in the area and we are confident that this ambitious scheme will make a valuable contribution to delivering the high quality, affordable homes that Salford desperately needs.
“Canon Green Court is an iconic building on the city’s skyline, but it has suffered from lack of investment over the years. We are proud that we can now deliver on our promise to the existing residents to refurbish their homes and create modern apartments fit for the future.”
Willmott Dixon recently built 80 extra-care apartments as part of a mixed-use development for Trafford Housing Trust at Old Trafford, in the shadow of Manchester United’s ground. It recently won national acclaim after being declared Inside Housing’s Best Older People’s housing development and Best Affordable housing development (over 71 homes).
The company is currently on site building 147 houses and apartments on a nine acre site in Simonsway, Wythenshawe, as part of Wythenshawe Community Housing Group’s largest development to date.
Anthony Dillon, managing director of Willmott Dixon in the North, said: “With our track-record for creating new homes in Manchester, we’re proud to be working alongside Salix Homes on what is a much-needed, exciting and transformational investment for the Salford community. Together, we share a commitment to leaving a lasting legacy for existing and future residents who will continue to play a central role in shaping these plans.”
Willmott Dixon was recently awarded The Queen’s Award for Enterprise in the category of Promoting Opportunity, recognising its work in leaving long-lasting communities, promoting social wellbeing and helping those from disadvantaged backgrounds into sustainable employment.
The multi-million pound development, partially funded thanks to a £3.8million grant from Homes England, is expected to be completed in spring 2021.