ForViva lines up next Eccles land buy

The housing provider is close to purchasing a two-acre plot on Hallsworth Road, part of Salford City Roosters rugby club’s ground, to redevelop into 48 social homes.

Heads of terms have been agreed with the vendor Salford City Council, which has recommended the deal be agreed by city mayor Paul Dennett at a meeting next week.

If it completes, the acquisition would be ForViva’s second in Eccles in the past six months, as the housing provider also agreed to buy a one-acre plot on Edison Road from the council last October. ForViva intends to bring forward 51 affordable homes at the site, which comprises former tennis courts and a bowling green.

At Hallsworth Road, ForViva intends to acquire the site of Salford Roosters’ existing clubhouse, which is deemed unfit for purpose and is to be vacated later this year once a new facility for the club is built, funded by Salford City Council through a grant from Sport England.

Salford Roosters currently holds a 30-year lease for the wider nine-acre site, which also includes playing fields, according to council documents. The club has agreed to surrender its lease and sign a new 30-year deal with the council on a reduced, seven-acre, area, while ForViva would acquire the remainder of the plot.

The housebuilder has drawn up a scheme comprising 48 social rented units – including 28 houses and 20 apartments – and submitted a planning application to Salford City Council following site investigations and a period of public consultation.

“Negotiations have now concluded and provisional heads of terms have been agreed, with ForViva for the disposal of the site, by way of a 250-year lease, for which approval is now being sought,” the council documents state.

The disposal of the site would generate a capital receipt, “which in line with council policy would be used to finance existing debt”. The proposed value of the deal was not disclosed.

Nigel Sedman, group director of homes at ForViva, said: “Our plans for the site at Hallsworth Road will see 48 new homes developed by our social housing arm ForHousing, with the properties available at truly affordable social rent.

“We have worked closely with Salford City Council, Salford City Roosters Rugby League Club and the local community on the proposals, which will bring major benefits to the local area.”

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Another out of town sports site that will be a waste of money. Look at AJ bell !!

By Joan Higgin

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