Plans to create another 35 affordable and move on homes for Dérive in Salford have taken another step forward. Salford City Council has received a £595,000 grant allocation from the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) as part of their Brownfield Programme, to support the unlocking of stalled brownfield sites for housing development. In response to the significant shortage of affordable housing in the city and to homelessness that has been increasing since 2012, the council is increasing its direct delivery of affordable housing. The Eccles New Road and Tootal sites form part of this programme and have also attracted additional Homes England grant funding of £3m through the Rough Sleepers Accommodation programme and 2021-26 Affordable Housing Programme. The two sites will provide 35 affordable homes, including 16 move on homes for people at risk of rough sleeping. In September 2023 work started on the Eccles New Road site with all 14 units scheduled to be completed in Summer 2024. Work is due to commence on the Tootal Grove site in February 2024 with completion expected in Summer 2025. Service users from Salford Loaves and Fishes, who have experienced homelessness, have helped to shape the design and layout of the properties. The properties will be let through Dérive, the council's arms-length property company which is delivering high quality affordable housing across the city and bring two derelict, brownfield sites back into use as well. Councillor Tracy Kelly, Statutory Deputy City Mayor and Lead Member for Housing, Property and Regeneration at Salford City Council, said: "Affordable supported accommodation is rare but such an important stepping-stone in helping people get back on their feet. It is a step in the right direction for people between homelessness and getting their lives back on track. "As for the other properties, we know they will be welcomed by local people desperate to get affordable homes. In 2023 there were 965 properties advertised on Salford Home Search. We currently have over 4,900 households registered on Salford's housing need list, which is why it is so important that we can provide even more affordable housing."
