Warrington South MP, Andy Carter has visited the near-complete site of 41 new affordable homes following the transformation of the former social club site on Richmond Street in Latchford.
Developed by Cheshire-based housing association Weaver Vale Housing Trust, the new homes will be known as Bowlers View as they look out over the local bowling green. This was the MP’s second visit to the development which includes 26 one-bedroom and 15 two-bedroom modern apartments.
Fire safety has been at the forefront of the design with each apartment including built-in sprinkler systems, heat and smoke detectors, automatic ventilation and the latest fire alarm technology.
The landlord has also made sure the homes are fit for the future by including electric vehicle charging points, so tenants can have the option to transition to electric cars. Solar panels have been installed to self-generate electricity and help reduce the impact of rising energy costs for tenants. Homes have been built to achieve high standards of energy efficiency, ensuring they are cost-effective for residents to run.
The new development is Weaver Vale Housing Trust’s second development in Warrington and forms part of their five-year development plan to build more than 600 homes by 2024 across Cheshire and Warrington.
Construction started on the site in August 2020, transforming a brownfield site after the Richmond Social Club had to close its doors in 2019.
Jo Fallon, Assistant Director of Development at Weaver Vale Housing Trust, said: “We were delighted to welcome Andy Carter MP back to the site for a tour of the scheme as we make final preparations to welcome our new customers to their homes. We have seen a very high demand for homes in the Warrington area and are looking forward to welcoming new customers to their homes at the end of May, which are being let on affordable rents.
“These are modern homes that not only meet our high fire safety standards but will also support the use of green energy, helping reduce costly fuel bills for customers. We believe new build homes should not only meet tenants’ needs now, but into the future as we move towards a greener, more sustainable way of living.”
The scheme is being built by Thelwall-based Lane End Group on behalf of Weaver Vale Housing Trust. Both groups share a mission to improve the lives of people living in the neighbourhoods they work in.
Lane End Group Managing Director, Richard Harrison, said: “We are delighted to be handing this development over to our clients shortly. Our team have worked incredibly hard over the last 18 months to ensure that quality, modern and affordable homes can be brought to Warrington.
“Our team have future proofed the homes, with careful planning and attention given to ensuring the homes are as sustainable as possible. Including provision of electric charging points and solar panels to support the use of green energy.
“As a group, Lane End is committed to creating homes that enhance communities and this development is not only helping regenerate the local area with the addition of effective, quality homes, but is also included in various social value initiatives under our Lane End New Beginnings scheme, such as charity and community group donations, local labour provision and apprenticeship scheme, which all helps us give back to those areas in which we build.”
Weaver Vale Housing Trust and Lane End have worked in partnership while developing Richmond Street to deliver numerous initiatives to benefit local families, such as creating new jobs and apprenticeships and giving careers talks in schools and colleges.
Andy Carter MP commented: “Sites like this meet the Government’s ambition to support housing association development on brownfield areas and I’m really pleased that Weaver Vale Housing Trust have chosen Latchford to build their first new homes in the town.
“Given the high demand for housing in Warrington it’s encouraging to see developments like Bowlers View with modern, safe and affordable housing that’s fit for the future, and I’m really pleased that these new homes will soon be ready for occupation.”
Header image left to right: Wayne Gales, Chief Executive at Weaver Vale Housing Trust, Andy Carter MP, Warrington South, Harrison Broadley, Apprentice Joiner and Mick Cunningham, Construction Director from Lane End, Jo Fallon, Assistant Director of Development at Weaver Vale Housing Trust.
