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Derelict site in Wigan brought back to life with affordable homes development

Derelict site in Wigan brought back to life with affordable homes development

More than 70 affordable properties will breathe new life into an unused brownfield site located just a stone’s throw from Wigan town centre.

The development in Field Street, Wigan, near to Frog Lane, is the latest exciting scheme to take advantage of underutilised land which can be evolved to meet the borough’s housebuilding targets and affordable housing needs.

The site which has been empty since the 1970s comprises of 72 new affordable rented homes in total. The scheme supports the Council’s commitment to delivering high quality, low-carbon and affordable homes across the borough.

The site is less than a miles walk to Wigan town centre and will support the wider strategic regeneration work that is focused on transforming and enhancing the town centre offer.

Councillor Terry Halliwell, Wigan Council’s cabinet member for housing and regeneration, said: “I am delighted to see the scheme completing  at Field Street which will bring much-needed affordable homes in such a prominent location, just one kilometre from Wigan town centre.

“The council is committed to delivering high quality affordable housing for local people to live in across the borough, this latest affordable rented scheme shows that developer partners are proactively helping us meet our affordable housing needs in Wigan”.

“A big thank you to our partners Jigsaw and Stanley Investments who have been fantastic to work with throughout.”

Affordable housing provider Jigsaw Homes will be the end user for the scheme which will house Wigan residents who are in affordable housing need. Jigsaw homes were able to bring the site forward in partnership with the developer Stanley Investments and Wigan Council who have worked together to advise on the planning application and developed the housing mix for the scheme.

Joanne Bonnington, assistant director of development at Jigsaw Homes Group said: “We are proud that this development, in partnership with Wigan Council, Casey Construction and Stanley Investments, will provide much-needed affordable rented homes and support the regeneration of the town.

“Jigsaw has a strong track record of not only delivering a range of affordable homes in Wigan but managing them as a trusted and reputable landlord. We are absolutely committed to help tackle the housing crisis by developing new, high-quality homes for individuals and families in our communities.

“These homes are part of our commitment to build hundreds more in the next year, including across Wigan, despite the national lockdown restrictions.”

Development will provide a good mix of homes with 10 one-bedroom apartments, 40 two-bedroom houses and 22 three-bedroom houses as part of a 100% affordable rent scheme.

With a rising population, the need to maintain housebuilding targets is crucial and the council will continue to pursue the shift to development on brownfield sites.

Chris Curtis, director of Stanley Investments, said: “We are very proud to have delivered the long overdue regeneration of this prominent brownfield site into much needed affordable housing.

“This scheme is the product of exemplary collaboration between our partners at Wigan Council and Jigsaw Homes along with a fantastic technical team.

“Together, we have overcome significant site related challenges to bring about 72 high-quality homes, a new sustainable community, and the complete transformation of the local area.”

For more information about housing schemes in the borough, visit www.wigan.gov.uk/housing