Warrington-based The Bell Group and Greater Manchester-based firms Emanuel Whittaker, Jackson and Jackson, The Casey Group and A.Connolly will deliver an ambitious improvement programme to 2,900 homes across the city.

As part of the investment scheme 720 homes will get new kitchens, 660 will get new bathrooms, 700 will be fitted with new windows and around 1,200 homes will have new doors fitted.

Major refurbishment work will take place at ageing tower blocks Canon Green Court in Broughton and Fitzwarren Court and Albion Towers in Pendleton.

The three-year investment programme is the second phase of a £75m project, which will see all Salix Homes properties reach the Decent Homes standard by 2020.

Lee Sugden, chief executive at Salix Homes, said: “It is a priority for Salix Homes that every contract should have a wider, positive impact on the community, so for every £1m invested, two apprenticeships for local people will be created, and we are currently recruiting for the apprenticeship positions available.”