Member Article

Ground-breaking housing scheme for young people up for national award

A flagship scheme to provide affordable homes for young people in Salford has been shortlisted for a national award.

Earlier this year, housing association Salix Homes opened The Hive – a new state-of-the-art facility providing much needed accommodation for people aged 18-25.

The centre was launched in May by Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, who said he’d like to see similar facilities built across the region.

Now the facility on Cromwell Road in Kersal has been named as a finalist in the Affordable Housing Scheme of the Year category in the prestigious 24 Housing Awards.

Speaking at the launch of the scheme, Mr Burnham said: “I want to help young people make their way in the world and this is a development that’s very much focussed on young people and housing that’s affordable to them.

“I’m very proud to support it, and I would like to see more of this type of development all across Greater Manchester.”

The Hive is one of the first centres of its kind in Greater Manchester providing modern and affordable accommodation for up to 14 young people while they work, complete their education or training.

The project focuses on supporting young people whose ability to work or study is being hampered by their unsuitable living arrangements – it may be that they are sofa surfing or don’t have a permanent place to live.

Lee Sugden, chief executive at Salix Homes, said: “The Hive is the jewel in the crown for Salix Homes, providing young people not only with a place to call home, but also with an opportunity to transform their lives and build bright futures.

“As a nation, we are in the grips of a housing crisis so we are very proud to be leading the way in Salford to provide much-needed affordable accommodation for young people and to be recognised for our efforts in the 24 Housing Awards really is the icing on the cake.”

Salix Homes worked alongside contractor Seddon to totally transform and modernise the building, which was once the site of Petrie Court homeless shelter, but has stood empty since closing down in 2014.

Duncan Williams, housing director at Seddon, said: “The Hive provides vital support to Salford’s young people, and it’s fantastic to see the scheme being recognised by the housing industry. As a champion of young people, skills and training, we’re honoured to have been part of bringing such a progressive initiative to life.”

The facility was named The Hive in honour of Kersal councillor Harry Davies, who passed away last year and was well-known in the community for his commitment to helping others and his passion for beekeeping.

The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony in Coventry on October 12.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Hayley Collins .