A social landlord has converted a derelict industrial site into a £4.8m affordable homes development.

ForHousing’s scheme – which comprises 33 one-bed and six two-bed homes available at low-cost social rent – regenerated a disused site on in Eccles, Salford.

The development benefitted from close to £2.7m in funding through Homes England.

More than 6,000 people are currently on the waiting list for housing in Salford – with around 63 people bidding for every home.

Nigel Sedman, ForHousing’ Group Director of Homes, said: “The Boardman Street development is a welcome addition to Eccles, providing affordable housing where it is needed while rejuvenating the area.

“At ForHousing, we are committed to creating quality homes and places to help tackle the housing crisis in Salford – as well as more widely in the North-West.

“Schemes such as Boardman Street will help improve lives and make more things possible for more people. We’re proud to be part of making that happen in Salford.”

Speaking as she moved into her new home at Maris House, new tenant Emma Quinn said: “It’s been a very smooth experience. Staff at ForHousing have been very supportive and understanding. I can’t wait for me and my daughter to settle into our first family home.”

ForHousing has built 961 homes in Salford as part of a programme of over 1,300 new affordable homes across the North-West and has ambitions to build the same again between now and 2026.

Deputy City Mayor, Councillor Tracy Kelly, Lead Member for Housing, Property and Regeneration, said: “This is positive progress – firstly in creating much needed social rented homes close to Eccles town centre, shops and good public transport links, and secondly in bringing a derelict site back to life as we work to tackle the housing and homelessness crisis we’re facing in the city,” she said.

“Every single truly affordable property that we can create in Salford means one more person or family is able to settle into a new home and get on with their lives. Thanks to Derive, the council’s wholly owned property company and our partners, Salford is once again building social housing.

“I look forward to continuing to work with partners in the city in tackling the housing and homelessness crisis, especially given our commitment within Salford and across Greater Manchester to build 30,000 net-zero carbon homes at social rent by 2038.”

The two-year project was completed in partnership with Mangrove Estates and Watson Homes, with Salford-based Grays Architecture taking the lead on design.