Affordable new homes on the Rivington Chase development have secured planning approval from Bolton Council as part of the regeneration of the former Loco Works in Horwich.
The plans were submitted by Lane End Group, on behalf of two local housing associations, Irwell Valley Homes and Bolton at Home, who will work in partnership to deliver 116 new homes including 78 apartments and 38 family houses. The work is due to start in July 2021 with phased completions up to June 2024. Irwell Valley Homes will develop 63 of the homes and 53 will be developed by Bolton at Home.
All the new homes will be available for affordable rent and support the commitments from both organisations to delivering a range of new homes to meet a variety of needs over the next few years, with Irwell Valley Homes committed to deliver 1,250 homes, and Bolton at Home set to deliver 1,400 homes.
This scheme forms part of the £262m regeneration project that was granted outline planning permission in 2015 to deliver 1,700 homes alongside heritage, educational, retail, leisure, health and well-being facilities.
Claire Griffiths, Executive Director of Growth, Development and Assets at Irwell Valley Homes said: “There is an acute need for more affordable homes across Greater Manchester. We’re delighted to be working in partnership to deliver these new homes for the local community and playing our part in the renewal of this historically important site.”
“We’re committed to developing more affordable homes across Greater Manchester including new homes like these for affordable rent, as well as shared ownership and supported housing to help people live independently. We are also making significant investments in our existing homes and working with partners to reduce homelessness and deliver a range of quality housing options.”
Dominic Conway, Bolton at Home’s Group Director of Development and Growth, said: “We are committed to building more affordable homes across Bolton to do what we can to meet local people’s housing needs, prevent overcrowding in homes and reduce homelessness.”
“We recognise the need for new affordable homes, as clearly evidenced by the demand for some of our recent schemes that we have already delivered in Horwich, and Rivington Chase will help tremendously to provide good quality sustainable housing for a wide range of families and single households.”
Lane End Group, Managing Director, Richard Harrison, said: “This is our first scheme in Bolton and we are delighted to be bringing much needed affordable homes to this area”.
“Our business is based on strong partnerships and values and we are committed to developing a successful scheme and a quality product for our partners, Irwell Valley and Bolton at Home.
“We know the local community holds this area close to their hearts and that’s why it’s a great fit for our business as we continue to develop our expanding portfolio and for our social enterprise, Lane End New Beginnings, who will be very active once the site commences, working with not-for-profit organisations and those in need of support.”
Horwich Loco Works was opened in November 1886 by the Lancashire and Yorkshire railway. The Locomotive Works was later sold to London, Midland and Scottish Railways in 1922, before being sold to British Rail Engineering Limited. The Loco Works closed in 1983 and was sold to be converted into an industrial estate.
The town of Horwich, developed around the Loco Works and has been growing ever since. This latest approved development contributes to the next part of its rich history and will ensure the area remains a vibrant community for many years to come.
