Over 50 of Greater Manchester city's social houses transferred into public ownership

More of Salford’s social housing is being moved into public ownership with 56 properties transferred to the city council’s property company. The authority’s property and regeneration committee approved the move for the properties at the former St Luke’s school site in the Weaste and Seedley ward on a 1,000-year lease for social and affordable rent. 

A further 12 properties at the site were granted the same length of terms lease for shared ownership. The low-energy homes are currently under construction but are near completion and will be managed by Derive Group, which is wholly owned by the council.

Councillors also approved a loan of £6.5m to Derive RP to fund the acquisition of the 56 homes and a further £2m for the purchase of the shared ownership properties. Meanwhile, the city council has also entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with the Inspiring Housing Community Land Trust (IHCLT) for the transfer from Derive of 24 properties at St Luke’s.

Only last month, the city council gave the green light for nearly 50 homes to be transferred to the Derive Group following a £5.7m loan from the town hall. The authority is in the process of building the homes on the former Irwell Valley High School site, off Blandford Road, in the Pendleton and Charlestown ward, including 25 apartments and 21 apartments.

Salford city mayor Paul Dennett has set out the objective of bringing social housing in the borough back into public ownership. The St Luke’s decision was passed without comment by councillors yesterday. 

However, after the meeting, deputy city mayor cllr Tracy Kelly, who is also lead member for housing, property and regeneration, said: “Derive is going from strength to strength in terms of our commitment to significantly increase and improve the number of affordable housing options across Salford.  The latest transfer, confirmed this week by the council, will see 56 properties transferred to Derive RP and a further 12 properties transferred to Derive Group, all at the former St Luke’s site. 

“This agreement further highlights the progress we’re making in ensuring the range of quality and sustainable homes better meets the needs of local residents. This transfer follows previous acquisitions and marks another important step for the city and Derive, which is wholly owned by the council and created with a focus to invest in new homes. This isn't a job done, but I’m sure this news will be welcomed by families who desperately need that support to find a place to call home.”