Demolition begins at Wigan housing estate as part of regeneration scheme

Regeneration plans to breathe new life into a Wigan housing estate are now underway.
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Demolition of parts of the Worsley Mesnes estate will begin today (Monday 1 June) after Wigan Council appointed Armac Demolition as the successful contractor.

The first buildings scheduled for demolition are the Dryden Close flats, with flats at Huxley Place and Housely Close to follow over the next 24 weeks. Once demolition works are complete Keepmoat Homes will take the sites forward for redevelopment.

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This first phase of demolition will not include the shops and former community centre.

Councillor Halliwell at the Worsley Mesnes site with Keepmoat and ArmacCouncillor Halliwell at the Worsley Mesnes site with Keepmoat and Armac
Councillor Halliwell at the Worsley Mesnes site with Keepmoat and Armac

Coun Terry Halliwell, cabinet member for housing and welfare said: “We have been working closely with the residents of Worsley Mesnes for a number of years to ensure we could collaboratively shape a regeneration and housing plan suited to local need.

“More than 95 per cent of those consulted were in favour of the proposals, so it is fantastic news that we are able to begin the process of making these ambitions a reality.

“This project is key to ensuring a strong future for Worsley Mesnes, which is even more important now as we look to recover from the impacts of Covid 19 on our communities.”

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The full list of sites that will be brought forward for new development are:

- the former Hindley House council sheltered accommodation

- the former Wheel Pub, the shopping parade, adjoining parking areas and a number of council owned block flats off Dryden and Housley Close

- the site of Huxley House council flats and former site of Blake Close flats

- an area of open land at Elliot Drive between Eliot Gardens extra care scheme and Mesnes Avenue

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- the site of the former Victoria Labour club and area of open land to the north

Councillor Terry Halliwell, who grew up in the area, said: “We are fully committed to creating a brighter future for Worsley Mesnes, which will benefit all residents and people who work there in the years to come.

“The proposals include plans for a range of homes for sale, affordable homes and a new shopping parade. Keepmoat Homes will work with the local schools and community groups and will provide jobs, apprenticeships and training programmes for local people throughout the project.”

Keepmoat Homes, whose North West office is based in Wigan, has more than 15 years’ experience in the field and has successfully completed similar projects including, Connell Gardens in West Gorton, Manchester and Riverbank View in Charlestown, Salford.

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Keepmoat Homes, opened its Wigan office two years ago, after huge growth in the North West.

Craig Murphy, Regional Managing Director at Keepmoat Homes, said: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with Wigan Council and Jigsaw Housing to deliver high-quality homes in Worsley Menes, which will support the incredible transformation taking place in the area.

“The development is situated just a few miles from Wigan town centre and will provide much needed two, three and four bed homes for open market sale and rent, perfect for families and first-time buyers. We will be also busy working with the local community throughout the project, offering apprenticeships, training programmes, work placements and site visits for students at local schools and colleges.”

It is expected that planning applications will be submitted at the end of summer, with a start on site in early 2021, with development to take place over the next five years.

For more information about the Worsley Mesnes housing project, please visit www.wigan.gov.uk

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