Five north west construction specialists have been awarded a share of a multi-million pound contract to transform social housing in Salford.
Salix Homes, which owns more than 8,300 homes across Salford, has announced its principal contractors to deliver its £38m investment programme over the next three years.
Greater Manchester-based firms Emanuel Whittaker, Jackson and Jackson, The Casey Group and A.Connolly Ltd, and Warrington-based The Bell Group, have been named as the five main contractors to lead the ambitious improvement programme to 2,900 homes across the city.
As part of the investment scheme 720 homes will get new kitchens, 660 will get new bathrooms, 700 will be fitted with new windows and around 1,200 homes will have new doors fitted.
As part of the programme, major refurbishment work will take place at ageing tower blocks Canon Green Court in Broughton and Fitzwarren Court and Albion Towers in Pendleton.
The three-year investment programme is the second phase of a £75million project, which will see all Salix Homes properties reach the Decent Homes standard by 2020.
Lee Sugden, chief executive at Salix Homes, said: “We are pleased to announce the appointment of our principal contractors to deliver the next phase of our significant investment plans for Salford.
“Our chosen contractors all have an excellent track record, so we are confident they will help us deliver on our promise to create the homes and communities that the people of this great city deserve.
“It is a priority for Salix Homes that every contract should have a wider, positive impact on the community, so for every £1million invested, two apprenticeships for local people will be created, and we are currently recruiting for the apprenticeship positions available.”
Clive Newton, managing director at Emanuel Whittaker, said “We’re proud to have played such a pivotal role in the regeneration of Salix Homes over the past six years and are delighted to have been re-appointed for a third consecutive time to undertake the latest phase of the investment programme. This continued investment by Salix Homes enables us to further our commitment to training and employing people in the Salford area, who now make up a significant proportion of our workforce.”
Mike Hyde, director at The Casey Group, said: “Casey has strong links with Salford as this is where our company first began. We are looking forward to working with Salix Homes and an important part of this will be apprenticeship opportunities for local people.”
Chris Connolly, commercial director at A Connolly Ltd, added: “We are pleased to have been appointed for a second term to support Salix Homes in the delivery of a three year investment programme, this allows us to continue the investment not only on the homes, but also within the communities we work within, creating more opportunities for local people.”
Craig Bell, CEO of Bell Group, said: “Being a family-owned and operated business, supporting under-represented groups within the communities where we work is very much a part of our core values and company culture. I believe that this collaboration will open doors and provide employment and training opportunities within Salford.”
Darren Cowley, managing director at Jackson and Jackson, added: “We are delighted to be involved in the next three years investment programme with Salix Homes. We place a big emphasis on working with companies who share our values and it is important that we can work together to engage with local people and communities who may be interested in a career in construction either as an apprentice or through retraining.”
To find out more about apprenticeships available with Salix Homes email jackie.crook@salixhomes.org or call 0800 218 2000.
