Chimney Pot Park

In Salford's Chimney Pot Park, existing terraced housing has been remodelled to create high-quality, modern homes that retain the character and integrity of the neighbourhood. Designed by shedkm.

Seedley and Langworthy is a residential neighbourhood of small, two-up, two-down terraced housing in Salford. By 1999, the area had been suffering from long term underinvestment, neglect and crime. The resultant low demand for the properties led to low values, exacerbated by an over-supply of one housing type, a poor perception of the local environment and a lack of local amenties. This had become a place of rejection rather than a place of choice.

This made it typical of many such neighbourhoods, not just in Salford or Greater Manchester, but across other towns and cities in Britain. The subsequent redevelopment by Urban Splash and shedkm, therefore, represents an important demonstration project, particularly as it forms part of the national housing market renewal programme. The contribution made by the wider project team and funders, including Salford City Council, North West Development Agency and English Partnerships, has helped to show how perception and image can be tackled and changed through creative intervention.

Through imaginatively reconfiguring the properties, inside and out, this scheme has the potential to change perceptions of the terraced housing typology. The 'lift' it gives to the local area also augurs well for the sustainability and longevity of adjoining neighbourhoods. As part of the Central Salford Vision, as well as the housing market renewal programme, it sits within an urban area that will be subject to considerable change over the coming years. Chimney Pot Park helps to signal that change can be a positive and exciting experience.