Shapps signs off £115m Salford housing scheme

The government has green lighted a multi-million pound regeneration scheme to build and refurbish 1,600 new homes in Salford.

Housing Minister Grant Shapps signed off the next stage of the £115m PFI improvement scheme for the Pendleton district.

Two consortiums have already been shortlisted by the council to carry out the works – namely the Inspiral bid team of Wates and Countryside Properties and a consortium comprising Bullock Construction, G&J Seddon and Barratt Homes.

PFI housing projects across the UK have been put on hold by the government pending further scrutiny since last October’s spending review.

Councillor Peter Connor, lead member for housing at Salford City Council, said: “Our plan for Pendleton will give residents a better choice of affordable housing and we’re pleased the government supports us in what we’re trying to achieve.

“There is still lots to do but this news allows us to move to the next stage, which is to submit further plans to the government so we can move to financial close and start work.”

Leader of Salford City Council John Merry said: “This review compared many private finance initiative projects, so for the government to choose to support us shows our plans are very well thought out and good value for money for the people of Salford.”