Fitzwarren & Albion has seen us refurbish two, 1960’s tower blocks in Pendleton, Salford to create highly sustainable, residential communities. The first project comprised the 16-storey Albion Towers followed by the nearby 23-storey Fitzwarren Court. Both remained occupied during design and delivery.

Located in Salford, the Albion and Fitzwarren towers were identified as requiring refurbishment. AEW was appointed by main contractor Casey, on behalf of Salix Homes, to help assess, design and deliver compliant refurbishment solutions – initially at Albion Tower, followed by Fitzwarren.

Albion, a 16-storey building of 120 apartments, and Fitzwarren, a 23-storey tower with 135 homes, both presented complex challenges typical of post-war high-rise housing. Investigations revealed poor thermal performance and ageing building fabric.

The brief extended beyond compliance, requiring a holistic upgrade to improve resident safety, energy performance and overall living conditions, while working within the constraints of occupied buildings. At Fitzwarren, this was further shaped by a shift in strategy – from planned demolition to full retention and refurbishment – adding further technical and stakeholder complexity.

Close collaboration with specialist fire engineers, the contractor and Local Authority was essential. The design needed to coordinate upgraded fire strategies, integrate new systems within the existing structure, and deliver a robust, compliant envelope. A key challenge was the integration of new low-carbon heating infrastructure, requiring careful routing through the building fabric while minimising disruption to residents.

Completed in 2020 (Albion) and early 2021 (Fitzwarren), the projects deliver a comprehensive transformation of both towers, significantly improving safety, performance and resident experience.

The façade was replaced with new mineral wool external wall insulation (EWI) systems, finished with silicone render and brick slip detailing to create a durable, high-performing façade. Windows, roofing insulation and flat entrance doors were also upgraded, improving thermal efficiency and internal comfort.

New heating is provided via innovative ground source heat pump technology, carefully designed and routed through the existing structure using 3D modelling. This approach improves thermal performance, reduces energy costs and supports efforts to tackle fuel poverty.

Fire safety has been enhanced through the introduction of sprinkler systems, fire alarms and compliant fire doors to all apartments.

Externally, the buildings now present a refreshed and more distinctive identity, while internally, upgraded communal spaces contribute to a better quality of living.

Together, the schemes demonstrate how complex, occupied high-rise buildings can be successfully retrofitted – extending their lifespan while delivering meaningful improvements in safety, sustainability and resident wellbeing.