Long an eyesore reaching up into the city skyline, a 1960s Salford block of flats has undergone a dramatic £3million improvement project.
Salford’s Black Friar Court has been rejuvenated in a scheme with social housing provider Salix homes.
This 1960s 15-storey tower has received the colourful transformation over the past year.
The new rendering and painting of this building, which stands at 46 metres high, has added a much-needed splash of colour to the area.
Joe Willis, chief executive of Salix Homes, said: “This project has given a new lease of life to this 1960s tower block and we are proud to have been able to achieve such a dramatic transformation working alongside our contractors Emanuel Whittaker.”
As well as the externalised regeneration, inside has also been renovated.
New kitchens, bathrooms, heating systems and doors have been fitted as well as rewiring to 79 of the one and two bedroom properties in the building.
BEFORE AND AFTER: Black Friars Court’s £3million transformation
Mr Willis continued: “Black Friar Court has been transformed into a desirable place to live with modern and comfortable homes that are economic to run.
“It’s been a pleasure to work with Emanuel Whittaker and Vertical Villages Tenants and Residents Association to ensure our customers now have the homes they deserve.”
The building’s carbon footprint will be cut as a new state-of-the-art Eco-Pod heating system has been fitted to the roof that uses solar thermal energy.
Mr Willis concluded: “This investment, which is part of our on-going Decent Homes improvement work, has made a huge difference to our tenants’ quality of life and improved the appearance of the whole area.
“Salix Homes is dedicated to improving people’s homes and communities and is committed to making Salford a desirable place to live for years to come.”
The residents, employees and local councillors came together for a garden party to celebrate the works completion but also to bid each other a fond farewell.
John Woolly, Emanuel Whittaker site manager, said: “When you work so closely with tenants for such a long time it is inevitable that friendships are made.
“The residents at Black Friar Court have been very patient with us as we carried out the work to their homes but I think they all agree that the place looks fantastic.”
Paul Brodie, Chair of the Vertical Villages Tenants and Residents Association, said: “The work on individual properties can be quite disruptive, especially for vulnerable residents but Emanuel Whittaker have been happy to go out of their way to help in many small ways and I know this has been very much appreciated.”
As a final step in the completion of this extensive project a volunteer garden army led by Emanuel Whittaker transformed the communal areas around the tower block to ‘finish the final piece of the refurbishment jigsaw’.
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