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Demolition of iconic tower blocks begins

A trio of Salford tower blocks, made famous by Joy Division and New Order bassist Peter Hook, are being demolished as part of a £650m regeneration.

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Peach, Pear and Apple Tree Court in Pendleton, collectively known as the Orchards, were built in the 1960s as part of the Hanky Park Slum clearance project. Work has begun to demolish the first of the three tower blocks – Pear Tree Court. Each 14-storey blocks will take around six weeks to be demolished.

Orchards demolition, Salford

Mr Hook, who grew up in the area, described it in a book as ‘rotten and horrible, like a concrete wasteland’.

Salix Homes, which manages the tower blocks, had his words inscribed on a concrete block on the side of Peach Tree Court and the panel will be salvaged when the block comes down.

Peter Hook beside the inscription at the Orchards

As part of the regeneration of the area, 1,600 homes are being built by a consortium of social landlord Together Housing Group and Keepmoat Regeneration. This is along with improvements to Clarendon Park, new parks and walking routes, an extra care village, a community farm and new sport facilities.

Orchards demolition 2

Mark Foster, head of property services at Salix Homes, said: ‘The Orchard tower blocks represent an iconic place in Salford’s history, having been home to thousands of families over the years and dominating the city’s skyline.

‘Salford is rightly proud of its heritage, but we must now look to the future and the demolition of these three blocks marks the next stage in the creation of a bright new era for Pendleton, which will make the area a much more attractive place to live and work.

‘The area is undergoing a major transformation and Salix Homes is very proud to be part of such a pivotal moment in Salford’s history.’

Steve Close, chief executive of Together Housing Group, said the regeneration is transforming the area from ‘rotten and horrible, concrete wasteland’ to a ‘modern, urban community for people to live, play and enjoy.’

 


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