West End Phase 4

The Regenda Group, a leading independent North West housing a regeneration organisation, were chosen by Tameside Metropolitan Borough Council to be their preferred partner to provide affordable housing within the Ashton West End redevelopment area and have been responsible for the design and construction of four phases.

The objectives of the development are to replace run-down Victorian terraced houses with high quality, affordable, energy-efficient dwellings in a safe and visually attractive environment.

A design competition was held involving local residents, with Denovo Design being selected to take this project forward. The scheme was designed and constructed with affordably as a principal criteria:

Piled foundations for speed of construction and minimal removal and disposal of spoil from site to landfill.

Maintaining a standard floor level for the terraced block – to reduce expensive stepped foundations and roof abutments.

Roof cowls including sunpipes were incorporated to break up the roofline – providing daylight to the internal staircase and landing areas. The roof cowls are a contemporary interpretation of the traditional chimney stacks.

Maximum repetition of components and detailing, for example, window and external doors; window surrounds; internal joinery; bathrooms and kitchens.

Components were pre-finished in the factory before delivery to site, for example, painting of the windows and external doors; pre-colouring of the soffit and fascia boarding; veneers to the internal doors.

The gutters, downspouts, railings; gates, external door and gate surrounds were all in an unpainted galvanised finish.

In collaboration with Tameside Highways Engineers, the streets have been re-designed as Homezones. The new road layout now provides both a safe and attractive environment for pedestrians and cyclists.

The main Contractor, Lovell, adopted a ‘Considerate Contractors Scheme’ and arranged for community liaison to take place on a regular basis with the local community and schools throughout the contract period.