Work to start on a new Wigan borough council estate where tenants will pay 40 per cent below market rent
Construction will soon begin on 24 council-owned one-bedroom homes in Leigh, aimed at locals on the housing waiting list.
Some 24 one-bedroom homes are set to be built between Keble Grove and Kingsley Street, Leigh.
The homes will be owned by Wigan Council with a ward councillor stating that they will be occupied by “people on the social waiting list with local a connection.”
Residents immediately around the development the have received a letter from the authority outlining the start of construction.
It said: “We can confirm that construction works are scheduled to commence from September 2026.
“The anticipated build programme is approximately 15 months, and we will endeavour to keep residents informed as the development progresses.
“You may notice some limited activity on site during August, including site clearance works and the installation of fencing.
“Our contractor, P Casey Ltd, will be writing to local residents shortly to introduce themselves, provide further information about the project, and share direct contact details for the site management team should you have any questions or concerns during the construction period.”
The council said residents will be notified in advance of any temporary road closures, traffic management arrangements or deliveries of large materials and equipment.
Ward councillor Dane Anderton said he intended to meet the contractor in the next week or so.
He added: “The homes will be council-owned, general needs housing, let at a social rent: typically around 40 per cent below market rent.
“Completion is expected towards the end of 2027.
“I’ve already had residents asking how they can apply.
“The homes will be allocated through the council’s housing waiting list, with a local lettings policy also expected to apply.
“It’s great to see more genuinely affordable council homes being built locally.”
Wigan Council said once built the properties would be mainly let to single people in need of council accommodation, although couples may also be considered for some of the units.
It added that the scheme has been designed to meet local housing needs and all the homes would be owned and managed by the council.
The plans for the development included off-street parking for each home, gardens with new tree planting and that the open space which remains on Keble Grove would see improved landscaping.