Keepmoat Homes, one of the UK’s leading partnership home builders, has received planning permission for 169 new energy-efficient homes to be built in Worsley Mesnes.

Following the appointment by Wigan Council as its preferred development partner in June 2020 to regenerate the area, Keepmoat Homes has received the go-ahead to deliver 169 family homes across four sites, known collectively as The Seasons, alongside new shops and green open spaces.

Of the new homes built, 42 will be affordable in partnership with registered social housing provider, Jigsaw Housing, and the range of two-, three- and four-bedroom houses will have enhanced insulation as well as energy-efficient designs for a lifetime of low energy bills.

Wigan Council has been working closely with Keepmoat Homes to bring in new investment, housing, and improvements to the area. In addition to the new housing developments, Keepmoat Homes has committed to delivering an array of initiatives that will support the local community and residents of Worsley Mesnes, including employing local contractors, creating a programme of apprenticeships and pre-employability training programmes on the sites, as well as supporting the local community and charity groups.

The four sites which will be redeveloped include:

• The former Wheel Pub, shopping parade, adjoining parking area, and a number of Council owned block flats off Dryden Close
• The site of Huxley House Council flats and former site of Blake Close Council flats
• The area of land at Eliot Drive between Eliot Gardens extra care scheme and Mesnes Avenue
• The former Victoria Labour club, and area of land to the north

An additional site on the former Hindley House Sheltered Accommodation will be developed into new retail units which will be delivered by Thistlewood Properties Ltd.

Gareth Roberts, regional managing director at Keepmoat Homes said:

“We’re thrilled to have received approval to progress with our plans and deliver much-needed housing in Worsley Mesnes. We are looking forward to working closely with Wigan Council to regenerate the area and create an integrated community through high-quality design and placemaking.

“All of the homes at The Seasons will have energy-saving and environmentally friendly features and is intended to provide an increased choice of quality homes for residents, all alongside new retail units and green open spaces to promote green and healthy lifestyles.

“As a company, we place a strong emphasis on supporting and investing in the local community within which we work, and are driven to maximise local labour, employability and skills within the construction industry, creating apprenticeships and opportunities for young people to kick-start their career within the Wigan area.

“We’re looking forward to commencing work on the four sites and bringing our vision to life.”

Councillor Susan Gambles, cabinet portfolio holder for housing said:

“This redevelopment of Worsley Mesnes will breathe new life into the area, and create new housing, including affordable homes, alongside shops and open space.

“Beyond the construction of the new homes, I am delighted that Keepmoat Homes has committed to working with local schools and community groups, and to provide jobs, apprenticeships and training programmes for local people.”

Construction at The Seasons is expected to take four years to complete.