Former Wigan school could be turned into affordable housing

Wigan Council is carrying out analysis to re-develop the former Shevington Community Primary School site to provide housing for elderly residents and people living with disabilities.

If approved, the site will remain in ownership of the council and will offer high-quality, affordable rent homes to those who meet the criteria for extra care accommodation.

Coun Terry Halliwell, cabinet member for housing and welfare, said: “The site has been vacant for the last three years and although we’ve been working with our partners in the police to ensure the building does not fall victim to anti-social behaviour, it is a great opportunity to provide specialist housing for the area, which will benefit our residents.

“Affordable accommodation suitable for older people has historically been in short supply in Shevington, so we’re glad to have identified a potential site to bring a new scheme forward.”

No design work has started, and residents will be consulted on the proposals before planning permission is sought.

If given the go ahead, it is hoped that the scheme will be funded by the council with Homes England support, subject to grant funding.

Coun Halliwell added: “This is very much an early proposal, if approved, no work would start on site before 2022. It’s imperative that we speak directly with local people to seek their thoughts so we can ensure this scheme is shaped to respect the environmental sensitivities of the site whilst considering local views.”

Since its closure in 2017, Wigan Council has regularly visited the site to ensure any potential access is removed. In addition, the local authority is in frequent contact with the area’s PCSO and CCTV and an alarm monitoring system is in place.

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

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