Oldham-based Pearson Solicitors facilitates social housing deal at historic Adelphi Lads Club

Date published: 04 April 2025


Locally-based Pearson Solicitors and Financial Advisers Ltd has successfully advised Beluga Group in a landmark joint venture with For Housing, facilitating the sale of the former Adelphi Lads Club site in Salford.

This complex commercial property transaction paves the way for a vital social housing development in the city.

Paul Duffy of the Beluga Group originally acquired the site before selling it to For Living Housing, a subsidiary of For Housing, while retaining an interest in the development.

This project marks a significant milestone in addressing Salford's pressing demand for affordable housing.

The approved development will deliver 63 much-needed social rent apartments, including:

36 one-bedroom apartments

27 two-bedroom apartments

A single building ranging from three to six storeys

A communal social space with greenery and trees

With Salford facing a severe shortage of affordable housing, this project is crucial.

Nearly 80% of social housing demand in the city is for one- or two-bedroom apartments.

The development aligns with For Housing’s mission to expand its portfolio of 24,000 homes across the North West and its commitment to delivering 1,337 additional homes.

The Adelphi Lads Club, established in 1888, was one of the country’s oldest youth clubs.

After a fire in 2010 left the building derelict, partial demolition took place in 2021.

Now, the site will be repurposed to provide essential social housing, preserving its legacy of community service in a modern form.

Pearson Solicitors' Commercial Property team played a crucial role in managing the legal intricacies of the deal.

Gary Jones, commercial solicitor at Pearson, said: “This was a challenging but rewarding transaction requiring extensive negotiations with Salford City Council.

"The deal was subject to planning conditions and a Section 106 Agreement, involving three days of intense discussions.

A Section 106 (S106) Agreement is a legally binding contract between developers and local planning authorities, ensuring contributions toward essential infrastructure and community services, such as affordable housing, transportation improvements, and public facilities.

These agreements are designed to mitigate potential negative impacts of new developments and ensure long-term community benefits.

The successful completion of this transaction marks a significant step forward in tackling Salford’s housing crisis.

By transforming a historic site into a modern, affordable housing development, this project exemplifies how strategic partnerships, and expert legal guidance can drive meaningful change for communities.


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