Student flats to become affordable accommodation

Former student flats at a 15-storey tower block in Salford are set to be refurbished and turned into affordable accommodation.Salford City Council has partnered with Mears to bring Bramall Court, on Cannon Street, into use for affordable housing. Mears, which currently manage the block as student accommodation, will invest more than £2m in refurbishing the block. This is in return for the council entering into a lease agreement for the use of the completed units.The council said it is the first time it has partnered with a housing provider in this way. They said it could pave the way for other such partnerships to bring under-used buildings back to life.Paul Dennett, city mayor, said discussions began late last year after demand for accommodation in the block slumped and Mears started to explore alternative uses.He added that refurbishment work will start later this month and the first 40 flats will be available before Christmas. Another 40 will be available in the new year and the remaining 35 by March 2022. Mears will provide housing and tenancy services and the arrangements will run for an initial ten years. The council will have the option to extend by a further five years.