Pendleton Together Operating Limited (PTOL) has arranged funding plans to fully complete fire-safety works in Pendleton, including the replacement of the ACM cladding system with a compliant alternative.
Government approval has now been given to PTOL’s plans, which have been backed by the company’s funders.
Salford City Council owns nine tower blocks, managed under a PFI (Private Finance Initiative) contract by PTOL and housing association Pendleton Together.
Safety first
Since the Grenfell fire in 2017, work has been planned for a cladding replacement, as well as a range of safety measures such as sprinkler systems.
In the interim, fire marshals have been patrolling and monitoring the buildings, and the cladding has been removed from the first three stories of all nine blocks to limit external fire spread.
Deputy City Mayor Cllr John Merry said he was glad to see the conclusion of the negotiations.
“My gratitude goes to our Salford tenants who have been incredibly patient during the last three years, as we worked with PTOL as they developed a financial model to pay for the works and to secure funding to make homes safer,” he said.
“The council was initially prepared to loan PTOL the money needed, but those plans were blocked.
“The PFI scheme was also not eligible for national remediation funds that other local authorities and housing associations have used.
“The good news is that the legal agreement we reached with PTOL and private-sector funders has been given government approval.
PTOL chair Tom Miskell also commented, saying: “We’re delighted that our plans have now been approved and work has already started to remove the cladding.
“Contractors have continued to work safely during the recent restrictions, and they are on schedule to have all the cladding removed before the end of the year.
“We’re aware that this has been a troubling time for residents, and we’re pleased that the important work can progress.”
The full programme will take more than two years to complete.
Salford City Council is funding the installation of new sprinkler systems in all blocks at a cost of around £4m.
