Development partner appointed for regeneration of former Wigan power station site

A developer has been appointed for the regeneration of Westwood Park, a major brownfield site in Wigan which was home to a power station for decades.

Wigan Council has selected Persimmon Homes as its preferred partner for a mixed-use development with the potential for more than 450 homes, including affordable homes, and modern employment space.

Westwood Park was previously earmarked to become one of Europe’s biggest landfill sites after the power station closed.

But instead the council says there will be a “unique opportunity to deliver high-quality green infrastructure around Westwood Park, due to its proximity to the Flashes of Wigan and Leigh, protecting and strengthening the surrounding green spaces and natural habitats”.

Coun Susan Gambles, the council’s portfolio holder for housing and welfare, said: "The proposals at Westwood Park represent a major opportunity to transform a former power station into a new sustainable community that can deliver the homes, jobs and investment that our borough needs.

“Importantly, these proposals also include a provision of genuinely affordable homes, which will help future generations take their first step onto the housing ladder and remain in the communities they want to call home.”

With plans for new homes, employment space and green infrastructure, Westwood Park represents one of the most significant proposals in Wigan borough’s Local Plan, which is set to be submitted to the Government at the end of the year.

The majority of the site is cleared, with the exception of three buildings, of which one is grade II-Iisted, a sub-station and surface car parking near office buildings.

Coun Dane Anderton, the council’s portfolio holder for economic development and regeneration, added: "We are ambitious for the future of our borough and the proposals at Westwood Park are a perfect example of this ambition.

“The proposals aim to bring significant investment into a brownfield site that has naturally evolved and re-greened over time.

“Not only will the proposals help to meet local housing and employment demands, they will also enhance the surrounding environment, provide greater access to green spaces, and reduce pressure on greenfield land elsewhere in the borough.

“This is sustainable good growth: creating opportunity for residents, delivering skilled jobs and affordable homes, strengthening communities, and safeguarding green spaces to build a stronger future for our borough.”