The Barton Village development will deliver 236 energy efficient homes in 9-storey blocks fitted with photovoltaic panels, which are expected to cut £220 from each tenants’ fuel bills.
City West Housing Trust was last week granted planning permission to convert the 1960s flats, which will be turned into open-plan apartments.
Director of Asset Management at City West Housing Trust, Colette McKune, said: “Work has started a month ahead of schedule with the final tenants moving out and the contractor taking responsibility of the site this week.
“Barton Village addresses all the key issues facing organisations tasked with regenerating communities and is revolutionary in many ways due to the technologies used and the approach taken to high rise social housing blocks.”
The scheme also includes the demolition and relocation of a community centre in the centre of the village, and the possibility of 14 additional homes to be built next to Bridgewater Canal.
A nearby parade of shops will be converted and let with one becoming a cafe and catering training centre.