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Flagship housing project for young people receives national honour

A flagship scheme to provide affordable homes for young people in Salford has been honoured at a national awards ceremony.

The Hive - a new state-of-the-art facility providing much-needed accommodation for people aged 18-25 – was highly commended in the Affordable Housing Scheme of the Year category in the prestigious 24 Housing Awards.

The facility on Cromwell Road in Kersal was opened by Salford housing association Salix Homes earlier this year to provide modern and affordable accommodation for up to 14 young people while they work, complete their education or undertake training.

Sue Sutton, executive director of operations at Salix Homes, said: “The Hive is a fantastic success story for Salix Homes providing young people in Salford with much more than just a home – it’s giving them the opportunity to get a head start in life and prosper.

“As a nation in the grips of a housing crisis, we are very proud to be leading the way in providing affordable accommodation for young people, so to be recognised for our work in this area in such prestigious industry awards is a real honour.”

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.

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 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.

The facility is at the site of former homeless hostel Petrie Court and was refurbished by construction experts Seddon, after standing empty for several years.

It 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 24 Housing Awards, hosted by comedian Mark Dolan at Coventry’s Ricoh Arena on October 12, celebrate excellence in the housing sector.

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