The second phase of an award-winning regeneration of the Sale West estate in Trafford - the biggest project of its kind in Greater Manchester in more than a decade - is now complete with 22 new affordable homes built.

The work, carried out by the not-for-profit housing association Irwell Valley Homes, and Seddon, includes adaptable ready homes with wider doorways and corridors, level access and wet rooms which are suitable for local people living with disabilities. Most have now been let to local people in housing need at affordable rent, which is 80% of the market rate for the area.

Among them is Toby Ashton, who suffered life-changing injuries in an accident at work seven years ago and now lives with osteoarthritis which affects his mobility. After years of sofa surfing, he’s delighted to have a place of his own.

Toby said: “When I saw the apartments listed, I couldn’t quite believe it – it seemed too good to be true!

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“The space is fantastic – for so long I had no-where to call my own, but this is my own place. I can invite friends over, have my mum to stay.

“The fact it’s already set up for my needs with the level access, wet room and wider doorways is amazing. I can fit my perching stools in and there’s space to store my mobility scooter. These things make such a difference.”

Phase 2, which saw an investment of £4.2 million, was on a challenging site with narrow roads, access restrictions and logistical issues related to the distribution of materials.

However, Seddon worked closely with Irwell Valley Homes to ensure these challenges were overcome.

This regeneration completes the second phase of a huge investment in the Sale West estate. Phase one saw 79 timber-frame homes built, as well as environmental improvements, including play areas, a sensory garden, tree planting, car park and road resurfacing and a nature trail.

The project has already won the Social Impact Award at the Insider Residential Property Awards 2024 for what judges described as “proper community-led regeneration”; they praised its innovative training scheme, anti-poverty initiatives and community-focused interventions.

Sasha Deepwell, Chief Executive of Irwell Valley Homes, said: “We’re delighted to mark another milestone in the regeneration of Sale West.

“Accessible-ready apartments like those delivered in phase 2 are in high demand in the area so we’re very pleased to be able to help meet this need through the regeneration programme. Hearing the stories of people like Toby, who have struggled for so long to find a place which is right for them, really drives home the value of what we are doing on the estate.

“Hearing him talk about his future plans and ambitions now he is settled in his new home sums up what this regeneration is all about – enabling people to live well in their home and community and to achieve their potential.”

Peter Jackson, Managing Director of Seddon Housing Partnerships and Engineering Services, said: “It was important to Seddon to continue our pre-existing partnership with Irwell Valley Homes and move forward with this pivotal masterplan.

“These high-quality homes will serve as a foundation for the vibrant, thriving community of the Sale West estate.”

Seddon Housing Partnerships is part of the Seddon family of businesses. It is headquartered in Bolton, Greater Manchester.