Plans to transform Pendleton have moved a step closer after the vision for Salford's biggest ever housing led regeneration project was unveiled.

Salford City Council has selected a preferred partner for the "Create a New Pendleton" scheme, which will revive this 200 hectare area of the city by creating 1,600 new homes and refurbishing a further 1,200 existing homes.

The preferred partner is the SP+ consortium, led by Together Housing Group member Chevin Housing Association Ltd. They were selected after a four year competitive tender process that involved significant consultation with the local community in Pendleton.

As well as housing, the scheme will also provide new sports pitches, green space, walk ways and cycle paths for local residents to enjoy.

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The SP+ consortium is expected to submit a full planning application in the summer, with work set to begin later in the year. Consultation with local residents will continue throughout this process to make sure the plans create space people will want to live, work and play in.

As well as the housing improvements, the work proposed will create 500 new jobs, 2,000 work experience placements and training opportunities for 3,200 people. They will also create opportunities for local suppliers to benefit from contracts.

Councillor Gena Merrett, Lead Member for Housing and Environment at Salford City Council, said: "This is an incredibly exciting and much anticipated regeneration scheme for the area. The plans put forward by the preferred bidder not only build new housing, they will also make the most of what is already there, refurbishing some of the existing properties and creating parks and green space that will create a much nicer environment for local residents to enjoy.

"It has taken many years to get to the stage where we are ready to start the scheme, but it is so important we get a scheme like this right as it has major implications for the community. Good housing and facilities can make a big difference to a community, having a positive impact on everything from health and wellbeing to crime and disorder. I am pleased to see this scheme coming forward, and that the community has had such a big impact on shaping it."

(CD)