Three of north Manchester's long-term empty residential tower blocks will breathe with a new lease of life as substantial development work gets underway.

The blocks in Ancoats - Chippenham, Saltford and Rodney Court – have stood empty for 15 years becoming an eyesore to local people, but now a new partnership between Manchester City Council, Ancoats Residential Holdings and Rowlinsons Construction Ltd will bring 192 residential properties back into use.

The scheme is the first in the country to be approved by the Homes and Communities Agency to receive a Build to Rent loan.

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Initial works have now begun in the Saltford and Chippenham blocks, clearing asbestos and preparing the site for a complete refurbishment both internally and externally, incorporating significant energy efficient measures designed to reduce both carbon emissions and minimise energy bills.

The redevelopment works will be completed on the Saltford block by December 2014, with completion on the other two blocks by March 2015 – providing 192 properties for open market rent.

Rowlinsons also partnered Manchester City Council to bring back into use 27 properties in East Manchester for affordable sale. And like this previous partnership, the tower block development will ensure training opportunities for Manchester College students to gain on-site experience that is vital to complete their qualification.

(CD/MH)