Derelict Wigan site brought back to life with affordable homes scheme

The development in Field Street, near to Frog Lane, is the latest scheme in the borough to take advantage of underused land .

The site, which has been empty since the 1970s and historically was a cattle market, comprises of 72 new affordable rented homes.

And the council said the scheme supports its commitment to deliver high quality, low carbon and affordable houses across the borough.

The authority said that the project will also support the wider strategic regeneration work that is focused on transforming and enhancing the town centre.

Councillor Terry Halliwell, Wigan Council’s cabinet member for housing and regeneration, said he was delighted to see the scheme completing at Field Street.

Coun Halliwell said: "This 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.”

Housing provider Jigsaw Homes will be the end user for the scheme which will house Wigan residents who are in need of affordable homes.

Jigsaw were able to bring the site forward in partnership with the developer Stanley Investments and the council. They 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.”

The development will provide a mix of homes with 10 one-bedroom apartments, 40 two-bedroom houses and 22 three-bedroom properties. This is part of a 100 per cent affordable rent scheme.

With a rising population, the council said the need to maintain house building targets is crucial and that it 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