Trafford Council and Irwell Valley Homes have secured £975,000 from The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities’ (DLUHC) £10 million Estate Regeneration Fund which was set up to support a small number of regeneration projects across the country this year.

The funding will be used to support Irwell Valley Homes’ multimillion pound regeneration plan for the Sale West estate where it already owns and manages over 1100 homes.

The approved regeneration plan which has been shaped by residents, will see the local affordable housing provider transform the estate over the next seven years by building more affordable housing, improving existing homes and enhancing the environment and public realm.

The first phase is well underway and includes 79 new affordable new homes and over £7.2 million of improvements to existing homes. This latest funding will complement phase one, focus on the wider estate enhancements in phase two, and enable Irwell Valley Homes to accelerate the remediation work in phase three.

Specifically, it will be used to deliver a natural play strategy, seating areas, extensive tree and hedge planting, improved drainage, habitat enhancements to support wildlife, a community horticulture programme, and external works to integrate the new homes within the existing estate.

Sasha Deepwell, Chief Executive of Irwell Valley Homes, said: “We support the government’s levelling up agenda and believe that housing associations are ideally placed to help with community place shaping. By working with the people in the communities we serve, we can build back better and improve the lives of those who live there.

She continued to say: “In Sale West there is a strong sense of community and a desire among residents to improve their neighbourhood. We are delighted to have been able to access this funding from the government to realise our customers’ aspirations and drive forward the changes they want to see in their neighbourhood.”

She went on to say: “We are acutely aware of the impact of climate change. The estate is on a high-water table and over recent years, flash flooding has become an increasing problem and we have seen a decline in natural habitats and wildlife. It is important for us to make a positive environmental impact and this funding will enable us to invest in mitigating the effects of climate change and bringing about positive enhancements to support sustainability, nature and biodiversity.”

Cllr James Wright, Trafford Council’s Executive Member for Housing and Regeneration said: “This is fantastic news. It is important that we create homes, not just housing and the funding means there will be a real community feel about the neighbourhood.

“The improvements that can now be carried out will make such a difference to the community – and improve the environment. Having children’s play spaces and seating areas will be fantastic for families and the whole community, so I am delighted we have secured funding as part of this vital regeneration project.”

Ralph Rudden, local resident and Chair of the Our Sale West Community Group added “It is great news that as COP 26 draws to a close, Sale West has received this funding boost. We look forward to working with residents, Irwell Valley Homes and the Local Authority to bring about improvements and tackle the issues caused by climate change locally. We know that by working together we can create a healthier and greener future for the people living in Sale West.”

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