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BTP designs new future for Salford’s iconic high-rises

Last week saw the unveiling of Salix Homes’ latest property improvement project, with dramatic tower block makeovers designed by Manchester based BTP Architects.   This recent refurbishment forms the final part of the jigsaw in an £11 million refurbishment project in the Greengate area of Salford led by Salix Homes and contractors Emanuel Whittaker.

£6.6 million budget was dedicated to improving Riverbank and Newbank Towers and thanks to BTP these quintessentially 1960s, 16-storey high rises have been newly rendered and re-clad to dramatic effect.  In turn, the interiors of both tower blocks have been updated and residents are now benefiting from new kitchens, bathrooms, windows and doors all of which are designed to be both modern and energy efficient.  All 176 homes are now in-line with the Government’s Decent Homes Standard.

To render the outside of the towers, BTP selected Alcubond “Red Brass” – a glittering mix of red, gold and green panels. This is currently a local exclusive – the first time this particular multi-spectrum composite panel has been used on a building in North West England. 

BTP are the UK’s pre-eminent architects in tower block design and were commissioned to lead the innovation and refurbishment work of two of the five tower blocks – Newbank and Riverbank – in the Greengate area of Salford.

“We were delighted to be asked, once again, to design another tower block scheme for Salix Homes, following the successful development of 14-storey Floral Court in Broughton, Salford last year,” said Vicky Saunders, Director at BTP.  “An integral part of our design process was facilitating a resident consultation to allow tailoring of the design to meet the needs of building users.  The resulting design has completely transformed the 1960s tower blocks to state-of-the-art local landmarks, with the latest in modern, energy efficient housing for tenants.”

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