Riverside - Residents welcome new development

10 December 2009

Langley tenants and residents have welcomed a £2 million development to transform the site of a former pub.

The three-storey development of 24 two-bedroom apartments for over 50s is a partnership between social landlord Riverside and construction company Seddon. Riverside is funding the development with grant support from the Homes and Communities Agency and Housing Market Renewal and Seddon is building the development. Work has started on the site of the former Welcome Inn on Wood Street and is due to be complete September 2010. Following the success of phase one, which comprised internal and external improvements to over 1,283 properties, anticipation for phase two is growing with waiting lists for homes in the area at an all time high.

Local resident and member of the tenant’s association, Mary Jepson said: “The approach to the improvement works was brilliant from the beginning right through to the end. Seddon and Riverside have delivered not only fantastic improvements to our homes but a great community feel which we hope will be even better when the new apartments are completed and we can welcome new residents to the area.”

The apartments have been specifically designed to high eco standards and the design has been successful in achieving Level 4 in the Sustainable Homes initiative; a first for Seddon and only two steps away from a carbon neutral environment.

In addition to the extensive insulation to all floors, walls and the roof the inclusion of a new bio-mass mechanical heating system will be a major influence on the environmental impact of the building. The central boiler will be powered by a combination of wood pellets and natural gas, significantly reducing carbon emissions that may have previously been generated by a standard heating system.

Jonathan Seddon, Managing Director of Seddon, says: “This is a very exciting project for Seddon as we will be able to deliver our first Level 4 rated homes in a place we have a great connection with. We have been working in the Langley for many years and have a very strong relationship with local residents and although this latest project is a new build scheme we will continue to liaise with residents throughout the building process.”

Ian Heppenstall, Deputy Director of Riverside in Greater Manchester added: “The Langley estate has thrived from the positive working partnership between all parties and there really has been a transformation at the estate. We will continue to be committed to listening to our tenants and investing time and money into the community and look forward to welcoming new residents into the area.”