Nadine Street, Salford

Project type: Social Housing

Requirements: Full Service from Inception to Final Completion

RIBA Stages: 0 to 6

This project was for an 8 unit housing development, in Salford on behalf of Manchester Methodist Housing Group and Great Places Housing Group. The site is located in Seedley, a part of Salford mainly consisting of terraced housing, and regarded as a deprived neighbourhood with a high crime rate. The area was designated for regeneration through the 'Manchester Salford Housing Market Renewal Pathfinder' scheme. Houses were demolished and replaced with sustainable housing that would improve the lives of the community and investment potential of the area. Neighbouring Alpha Street had already been built as part of Phase 1, by Ian Finlay Architects Ltd, and now the Brownfield site of Nadine Street was ready for regeneration.

While employed at Ian Finlay Architects Ltd., I assisted the Director, Ian Finlay, in all the key stages of the project from Concept Design, securing Planning Permission and Building Regulations Approval, and Contract Administration of construction to Final Completion.

The scheme was to build 6 two bedroom semi-detached, and 2 larger detached bungalows for housing association residents with special needs children, and wheelchair users. The circulation through the homes was specially adapted for ease of movement for all occupants. Hard landscaping, ramps, and low door thresholds meant wheelchair users could access all outside spaces and gardens without restrictions too. The bathrooms were specially adapted for the particular user and their disability needs, and all designed after consultation with Great Places Development Officer, the Occupational Therapist, and the new occupants. Removable wall panels were also incorporated into the design, if a hoist needed to be installed in the future. Bathrooms and hallways were also fitted with sunpipes to provide natural light to all areas of the building.

The scheme achieved 'Secure by Design' standards, and also a 'Good' EcoHomes rating. The project was completed in May 2007 at a cost of £1.2m.