The PFI housing project can now be delivered by SP+ consortium, which includes Chevin Housing Association, Keepmoat, Harewood Homes and Latham Architects and PKF.

Last year Salford City Council approved the plans for one of the UK’s biggest housing regeneration schemes.

But the project stalled over government concerns about the cost.

The Communities Department has now finally cleared the project allowing the council to sign contracts.

The programme of works will see 1,600 new homes built and more than 1,200 refurbished  in Pendleton, which was the focal point for rioting and looting outbreaks last year.

Phase one includes building about 300 new homes and refurbishing 1,253 properties, including the area’s nine tower-blocks, with new kitchens, bathrooms and windows.

The full project will be complete in 2017 and also includes changes to Clarendon Park and other green spaces, new walkways and cycle paths, a community farm, an extra care facility, new shopping promenade and new sports pitches at the Fit City development.

Plans to regenerate Pendleton began back in 2003, with the council launching an ambitious PFI scheme to help deliver a major investment needed in the area’s housing stock.

A nine-year consultation process followed with local people helping to shape the proposals for their communities.