New-look tower block transforms Salford skyline
Sep 28, 2013A £3 million refurbishment project at an ageing Salford tower block has been completed.
For the past 18 months social housing provider Salix Homes has been working alongside construction company Emanuel Whittaker to overhaul Floral Court in Higher Broughton.
The 14 storey high rise building, which was built in 1964, has been completely rendered, cladded and painted in striking shades of orange and white, totally transforming the once grey tower block.
Internally the 88 flats have been fitted with new doors, modern kitchens and bathrooms and have been either rewired or electrically upgraded. The roof of the building has also been replaced and the lifts have been upgraded.
A state-of-the-art Eco-Pod heating system, which uses solar thermal energy, has also been fitted to the roof, which will slash the building’s carbon footprint.
Salford based-housing provider Salix Homes was recently named by Salford Council as the chosen landlord to take ownership of the 8,500 council homes in Salford they currently manage in a proposed stock transfer.
This latest regeneration work forms part of a wider multi-million pound home improvement programme across Salford and the housing provider is promising to invest a further £700 million over the next 30 years if the stock transfer goes ahead.
Joe Willis, chief executive at Salix Homes, said: “This major investment at Floral Court marks a major milestone in our Decent Homes improvement programme and we are very proud to have worked alongside Emanuel Whittaker to provide our tenants with the modern, desirable and economical homes they deserve.
“Salix Homes is committed to providing high quality accommodation for the people of Salford now and into the future and this refurbishment project is testament to this. Floral Court has been completely transformed for the better and we are confident that these improvement works will make a huge difference to our tenants’ quality of life.”
During the refurbishment work, contractors uncovered a commemorative brick inscribed with 1964 – the date the block was built. To mark the completion of the project, a mural has been created at the entrance to the building with the original brick, alongside a 2013 inscribed brick.
Resident Kevin Petitt, 55 who has lived in the block for 12 years, was chosen to unveil the commemorative brick mural. He said: “The improvement work has made such a difference to my home. The new heating system is just marvellous; I haven’t even had to use my heating for the past three months because the building is so warm.
“I loved my home before, but I love it even more now – it’s the best place I’ve ever lived. I was very proud to unveil the brick mural because this place means a lot to me, it’s my home.”
Terry Kidman, contract manager for Emanuel Whittaker, added: “It’s been a pleasure to work with the Floral Court residents who have reported 100 per cent satisfaction with the work we have done on their individual flats and the communal areas of the block. Although we will be sad to go we are pleased to be leaving so many happy customers.”
Salix Homes also worked closely with social housing procurement consortium, Procure Plus, to deliver training opportunities for local residents during the refurbishment work.
Jackie Roach, operations manager at, Procure Plus, said: “By working together on large projects, such as Floral Court, we have been able to assist Salix Homes in identifying and bringing together its material and labour requirements across different projects, improving efficiencies and securing favourable costings.”
Emanuel Whittaker staff raise £1,000 a month, every month for a year
Aug 29, 2013
After a year of exhausting and imaginative fund-raising to celebrate its 175th anniversary, staff at Emanuel Whittaker have announced the total money raised in the period was £12,009.17. That equates to a thousand pounds a month, every month for a year!
Clive Newton, Managing Director said: “With so many activities going on it has taken a while to get all the money in, but we are thrilled with the final count. Our staff, clients, sub-contractors and friends and family have been incredibly generous and it’s been genuinely lovely to meet some of the people at The Christie Charity and Dr Kershaw’s hospice who will benefit from the money.”
To raise the cash Emanuel Whittaker staff were split into teams who between them all developed a vast array of fundraising initiatives including a car wash, making and selling handmade garden furniture and kitchen equipment, a sponsored weight loss, a sponsored silence, various sponsored walks, a bungee jump and a meditation evening as well as various sporting events including; football, cricket and golf.
The monies are to be divided between the two charities and the company has asked that The Christie funds are directed to the Young Oncology and Haematology and Transplant Unit.
“Emanuel Whittaker has invested a lot of effort into developing young people through our apprenticeship programme and we work with local schools and colleges to encourage young people into construction,” explains Clive Newton. “As a result of this relationship with young people we wanted to do something that specifically benefits them.”
The Christie currently has two specialist services, in need of refurbishment, however it has identified that it can deliver even greater results if the services are integrated, especially as approximately 50% of young cancer patients will have a haematological cancer (blood cancer). The Christie charity is therefore hoping to raise just over £10 million to build a new integrated treatment centre to replace the existing Young Oncology Unit (YOU) and Haematology and Transplant Unit (HTU).
Natalie Pike, Corporate Development Manager at The Christie Charity said: ‘Everyone at The Christie is so grateful for the amazing support of Emanuel Whittaker, their staff and customers. The wonderful donation will be going towards our new Young Oncology Unit, which will help enable us to build a new world-class treatment centre for teenage cancer patents. The unit should be complete early next year and we will be inviting everyone who contributed to the opening ceremony.”
Over fifty per cent of the funds will be given to Oldham’s hospice. Dr Kershaw’s needs nearly £5,000 every day to be able to continue to operate its specialist services and maintain the outstanding standard of care. Fundraiser Lisa Pearson said: “We were so thrilled and proud be chosen as one of the nominated charities for Emanuel Whittaker’s anniversary fundraising year. As a local charity it is important for us to build and maintain links within our local community and Emanuel Whittaker’s approach to fundraising meant that we had plenty of opportunities to work with staff and suppliers.
“Dr Kershaw’s Hospice is extremely grateful for the company’s support, it costs over £1.75 million to run the hospice each year and the lion’s share of that funding comes from local companies, community groups and businesses. Without the support of people within our community we could not provide the vital services we do.”
Emanuel Whittaker’s 175th anniversary celebrations have now concluded, however, many staff have enjoyed their fund-raising activities so much they intend to continue helping their favourite charities.
Director John Gallagher said: “Where possible the company will continue to support staff in their efforts to raise money for good causes through either financial or practical support.
“We had no idea how much we could raise in 12 months and everyone involved has been staggered by the generosity of all our supporters. We want to pass on our congratulations and thanks to all those involved.”
Tower block tenants in Salford are celebrating the completion of their own community garden.
Jun 13, 2013
Two years ago, Vertical Villages Tenants and Residents Association, which represents the interests and needs of the local community living in the tower blocks in the Blackfriars and Greengate area of Salford, successfully applied to their landlord Salix Homes for a grant to develop the gardens around Black and White Friar Courts.
However, they had to postpone the work when Emanuel Whittaker started working on the internal and external renovation of the Black Friar high rise block as part of a multi-million pound home improvement programme by Salix Homes.
“We always intended to continue the garden project after Emanuel Whittaker had finished,” said Chair Paul Brodie. “The tower block has been re-clad and inside we all have lovely modernised new homes and so the gardens are just the final piece of the make-over jigsaw. After working with us for so long, Emanuel Whittaker wanted to do something to say farewell and we are delighted they decided to play such a major part in the project.”
Emanuel Whittaker lead resident liaison officer Adam Berry decided to organise a ‘garden army’ to tackle the work over a few days and complete the garden and planting once and for all.
“We have been working with residents here for over a year and have made some great friends,” said Adam. “As our way of saying thank you for putting up with us we were determined to leave the area looking as good as it can be.”
Emanuel Whittaker led the recruitment campaign by providing trade volunteers such as bricklayers and joiners to lend their muscle and expertise to the work. They also provided some of the necessary supplies such as soil and compost while other contractors such as JWD, Absolute Electrical, Riverstone, Foggs Floors and Liquid Roofing were also able to give their support with additional funding.
Several Salix Homes’ staff also went along to lend a hand. Joe Willis, chief executive at Salix Homes, said: “We were thrilled to be part of the ‘garden army’ to transform this space into a community garden. Safe and attractive communal spaces are really important to build and strengthen communities, so we are delighted our tenants now have this outdoor communal area to use and enjoy.
“The completion of the garden is the final piece in the jigsaw to the major improvement works that have been taking place at Black Friar Court as part of our Decent Homes programme. Not only have our tenants now got modern, energy efficient and comfortable homes fit for 21st century living, but, thanks to the energy and commitment of local residents and Emanuel Whittaker they’ve also got this wonderful outdoor area, which I’m sure will be very well-used.”
Around a dozen residents from the tower blocks were happy to come out in the sunshine and lend a hand and the garden army started by clearing up debris litter pick before jet washing communal areas. An area of decking has been built and the ramp to the existing shed has been made more wheelchair friendly. There has also been masses of re-planting while new walls and fencing have been erected and painted.
Site Manager John Woolley who project managed the supplies, funding and personnel and organised the event, said: “It’s amazing what you can achieve when you set your mind to it. There was a lot of work to be done but between us all we have done it! The transformation is complete.”
One of the original aims of the garden project was to work closely with the Biospheric Foundation, a Salford based community interest company that wants to encourage local communities to grow their own food and plants in a sustainable way and Paul Brodie explains how the garden is not just about making the area look nice.
“We are planting edible plants and doing as much work as we can to ensure that local residents can actually eat what we grow,” he said.
“We owe a great deal to the hard work and determination of Emanuel Whittaker’s site manager John Woolley and Adam Berry who have helped us complete a project that could have taken months to finish.
“We intend to have a formal garden launch party later in the summer once the flowers and plants have become more established and we hope that this area becomes a well-used communal space where residents young and old can work and recreate together to build a stronger community.”
Duchy residents celebrate end of three-year regeneration project
Apr 19, 2013
Salix Homes residents on the Duchy Estate are celebrating the completion of a multi-million pound regeneration project on their homes.
For the past three years housing provider Salix Homes has been working alongside regeneration and construction experts Emanuel Whittaker to overhaul the Duchy Estate as part of a £4.9 million home improvement programme.
Improvement works carried out on the 317 properties include new kitchens and bathrooms, the installation of energy efficient heating systems, new windows and doors and complete re-wiring of the properties.
To mark the completion of the work Salix Homes and Emanuel Whittaker joined forces with partner agencies including Salford City College, Sure Start and the fire service to host the Duchy Estate Get-Together on Friday, April 5.
The community came together to celebrate the end of the scheme and enjoyed an action-packed afternoon of fun and games on the football pitches next to Barr Hill JFC.
Activities included giant games, football, an Easter egg hunt, face painting and T-shirt printing. Salix Homes also gave away 150 hanging baskets to tenants in a bid to leave a lasting legacy on the estate.
Joe Willis, chief executive at Salix Homes said: “The major improvement programme which has taken place on the Duchy Estate has helped to improve the quality of life for our tenants.
“After three years of hard work it was wonderful to see the whole community come together and celebrate the completion of this project.
“Our tenants are thrilled with their new-look homes and they are now benefiting from more comfortable, energy efficient homes that are fit for 21st century living.
“This regeneration work is part of our wider investment to improve people’s homes and the completion of this project marks a major milestone in our Decent Homes improvement programme.”
Salford City Council’s Assistant Mayor for Housing, Councillor Gena Merrett, added: “It is wonderful to see these home improvements happen. The new-look homes are a source of enormous pride for the residents. It shows how vital it is to invest in social housing, even during the tough times.”
The Duchy Estate which was built during the 1930s and 1940s is steeped in history and was once home to dramatist and screenwriter Shelagh Delaney famed for her debut play A Taste of Honey, which was first performed in 1958 and set in her native Salford.
Albert Robinson, 68, and his wife Nora have lived in their home on Duchy Road for 10 years. They have had their property rewired and a new kitchen installed and are thrilled with the work.
Albert said: “We have been very, very pleased with the work to our home. The workmen were very polite, nothing was too much trouble for them and they always cleaned up after themselves. They were excellent and have done a brilliant job.”
The work forms part of Salix Homes’ Decent Homes programme, whereby improvements are carried out to properties to ensure they reach the Government’s Decent Homes Standard as well as their own benchmark – the Salix Homes’ Standard.
To develop the programme and ensure the works had the best possible impact on the local community, Salix Homes worked with regeneration consortium Procure Plus.
“Working in partnership we created a scheme of works that not only provided a cost effective solution long-term, but also lead to a number of employment and training opportunities,” said Jackie Roach, operations manager at Procure Plus.
“Over the past three years, we’ve been able to keep costs below the market average and have successfully created jobs for people who live in the area.”
Paul Robinson, Emanuel Whittaker site manager at the Duchy Estate, said: “Our team has enjoyed working on the Duchy Estate for three years and we were happy to co-host an event to say thanks to the tenants for their co-operation during the work.
“It was quite sad to be saying goodbye to everyone but we can leave happy in the knowledge that Duchy Estate tenants have modern energy efficient homes they love.”
Emanuel Whittaker plays Father Christmas for children at The Royal Oldham Hospital
Dec 21, 2012
Father Christmas and three trusty elves have delivered over £500 worth of Christmas presents to the children’s ward at The Royal Oldham Hospital.
They didn’t have to travel all the way from Lapland though, instead just across the road from the hospital, from local construction company Emanuel Whittaker Ltd.
Emanuel Whittaker is celebrating its 175th anniversary this year and has enlisted the support of its staff to deliver 175 ‘little acts of kindness’. The In Your Hands appeal at the hospital which was launched to provide additional equipment for the new £44m women and children’s development at Oldham, was one of their chosen charities to receive one of the acts of kindness.
Donning a Father Christmas and elves outfits, joiner Gary Brooks, partnerships manager Rukhsana Nabi, bricklayer Katie Lockwood, and Janet Gallagher who is the wife of co-owner of the company John Gallagher, dropped off the 80 presents to children’s ward manager Sr Ann Sutherland and play specialist Karen Huskinson.
Karen said: “I would like to thank Emanuel Whittakers for all the wonderful presents they bought for the children’s unit. Their generosity will help to make Christmas day special for the children who are in hospital.”
Rukhsana Nabi, partnerships manager at Emanuel Whittaker Ltd said: “We’re an Oldham based company and wanted to put something back into the town that has supported us throughout our 175 year history. We employ so many people from Oldham whose families will benefit from the new women and children’s development at the hospital that it seemed natural to donate to the children’s ward.
Janet Gallagher, wife of co-owner of the company John Gallagher added, “This is by far our best fundraising initiative – it just shows how much the hospital and the In Your Hands appeal means to our staff for them to dig so deep into their pockets. Some staff bought presents and others gave us money for presents. We never expected so many gifts for the children, we’re overwhelmed!”
Katie Lockwood who is a bricklayer at Emanuel Whittakers is a mum of two young children herself. She said: “Christmas is stressful enough, without having to cope with a child in hospital. Christmas shopping is the last thing on your mind, so I’m glad we can help.”
Pictured left to right are: Gary Brooks, Sr Ann Sutherland, Katie Lockwood, play specialist Karen Huskinson, Janet Gallagher and Rukhsana Nabi.