A building project in Walkden has been left 'in limbo' after the firm carrying out the work went bust. Building work on the corner of Bolton Road and Manchester Road mysteriously ground to a halt in January and is yet to resume. The plot was supposed to become a five-storey block for the elderly.
Project details and halt
Housing 21, a not-for-profit care provider, commissioned social housing developers Alderley Group to build 46 independent living apartments for the over-55s. The planning application was given the greenlight by Salford council in December 2024, and construction on the project started last year.
The half-built steel tower has stood abandoned for several months after Alderley Group was issued a winding up order in January and ordered to liquidate its assets in June. The websites are now defunct and Companies House is currently processing a statement of administrator's proposal, which is one of the final stages before a firm is made insolvent or sold off to recoup funds invested by creditors.
Community concerns
According to Housing 21, the plans are still due to go ahead once they find a replacement contractor. In the meantime, councillors and residents are worried the 'eyesore' site will attract fly-tipping and anti-social behaviour.
Councillor Sammie Bellamy said: "I'm just so sorry for the residents having to put up with the eyesore. It feels like something we have very little control over but is having a big impact. I know it's already causing issues for the Gill Medical Centre, who overlook the construction site."
Future construction and official responses
Construction is due to continue eventually, with a road closure order in place across Harriet Street, Manchester Road, and Bolton Road until December 2027. The roads are currently free, but could be blocked off once the construction recommences.
A Housing 21 Spokesperson said: "We can confirm work on the site has been temporarily paused whilst we source a replacement contractor to deliver the scheme. We are keeping all interested parties updated with progress and would like to thank everyone for their patience and understanding."
A Salford council spokesperson said: "We understand the concerns that residents have raised about this site. We will continue to keep the situation under review and work with relevant parties where appropriate and take the necessary action to help protect the local environment and support the community."
