Salix Homes’ latest sustainable social housing development reaches highest point

Construction of a highly sustainable social housing development exclusively for older people in Salford has reached its highest point, marking a major milestone for the project.

The new Passivhaus-certified ‘independent living scheme’ has now officially topped out, with roof works completed on both buildings. Once finished, it will provide 69 new homes for social rent for people aged over 55, alongside a new GP surgery for NHS Greater Manchester, which will be a valuable addition to the local community.

Comprising two three-storey apartment blocks, the buildings have now also been officially named Archer House and Bowman House. The names were inspired by the site’s location off Arrow Street in Broughton and the area’s rich sporting history, where archery was once a popular sport with the Broughton Archers being renowned across the country for their skill and success.

The project is being delivered by Salix Homes, alongside our partner contractor Caddick Construction, and is designed to help older people live independently for longer in high-quality homes that are affordable to run, energy efficient and fit for the future.

Built to Passivhaus standards – the leading low-energy design standard – the homes will offer high thermal comfort, improved air quality and lower energy bills, creating healthier living environments for residents while supporting wider sustainability ambitions.

Eric Tamanis, Executive Director of Finance and Growth at Salix Homes, said: “We’re incredibly proud to see Archer House and Bowman House reach this major construction milestone. It’s a testament to the hard work, dedication and collaboration of everyone involved in this ambitious project and brings us another step closer to providing much-needed new social housing for older people in Salford.

“This development represents the future of older people’s housing, combining high-quality design, sustainability and accessibility to create homes that enable people to live independently for longer while supporting their health, wellbeing and quality of life.”

The scheme comprises 66 one-bedroom apartments and three two-bedroom apartments. Eleven of the homes have been specifically designed for residents with additional mobility requirements, including wheelchair users.

Dave Saville, Regional Managing Director of Caddick Construction North West, added: “With the new homes at Arrow Street taking shape, we are very pleased with the progress achieved to date. Our team’s dedication, combined with our collaborative partnership with Salix Homes, is clearly reflected as we mark this milestone. Built to Passivhaus standards, this development will offer a high-quality, energy-efficient and supportive environment for over 55s that establishes a new benchmark for independent living in the area.”

Alongside the new homes, the site includes modern premises for Mocha Parade GP Practice, bringing healthcare services back into the heart of the community and helping to meet future demand by expanding from three to five clinical rooms. The practice has been operating from temporary accommodation on the edge of its practice boundary since its original site was demolished in 2020 as part of local redevelopment.

A spokesperson for Mocha Parade Medical Practice said: “Mocha Parade Medical Practice is delighted to be returning to the Lower Broughton area. We are committed to providing a personal, professional, and high-quality GP service, improving access for all our patients and ensuring they receive the care and support they deserve.

“The new Arrow Street practice will provide a modern, purpose-built healthcare facility designed to meet the needs of the community both now and in the future, and we are excited to continue the delivery of accessible, patient-centred care to all.”

The development is Salix Homes’ third Passivhaus scheme, building on the success of Greenhaus and Willohaus. Together, they comprise 265 highly sustainable social and affordable homes, helping to address housing need, tackle fuel poverty and reduce carbon emissions.

Mr Tamanis added: “Archer House and Bowman House build on Salix Homes’ growing track record of delivering high-quality, sustainable homes that meet a diverse range of housing needs. Together with Greenhaus and Willohaus, this development demonstrates how innovative design and strong partnership working can create homes that not only meet local housing need today but are fit for future generations.

“By continuing to work closely with our partners, we remain committed to delivering new social and affordable housing that makes a lasting difference to people’s lives and communities across Salford.”

Salix Homes secured grant funding from Homes England through its Affordable Homes Programme to support the project, along with additional funding from the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA).

The scheme also supports the ambitions set out in our recently launched Corporate Plan, The Salix Way, which includes delivering high-quality, affordable and energy-sustainable housing, alongside an ambition to deliver around 100 new homes a year.

Archer House and Bowman House are expected to be complete by spring 2027.