Demolition clearing way for £5.2m homes development

Demolition has begun on transforming the former Elizabeth House with a new £5.2m development in the Blackburn satellite town of Darwen.

Darwen MP Jake Berry was among a group of invited guests to see the start of the transformation that will see a new 46-home development replace the former Together Housing scheme.

Half will be older persons’ bungalows and half will be three-bedroom family homes. All will be made available for affordable rent.

Demolition should last four to six weeks, with the total development set to be completed by the end of the year.

It comes on the back of the £12m investment into Darwen, as the Riverside Heights and other homes will provide another 119 homes in Shorey Bank.

THA’s construction partners, Greater Manchester-based Bardsley Construction, will create four new apprenticeships as part of the contract and local labour will be used where possible.

Hilary Brady, group head of development, said: “The new development will provide more essential homes in the borough.

“The Together Housing Group is utterly committed to providing new homes, creating new communities and improving people’s chances of a fantastic new home.

“We’re delighted that we’re in a position to start the construction process.”

Jake Berry, MP for Darwen and Rossendale, added: “‘I’m really pleased to see the start of redevelopment of this important site in the centre of Darwen.

“It’s a great example of the regeneration of a brownfield site for new homes rather than using our countryside and I’m looking forward to visiting the completed development later this year.”

Cllr Phil Riley, executive member for regeneration, said: “Together Housing has worked closely with the Council in bringing this much-awaited development forward.

“It is great news for the Borough and will provide good quality, affordable, family homes and bungalows for local people.”

Ged Rooney, procurement director at Bardsley Construction, added: “Our hard-earned reputation for the successful delivery of high quality residential and related developments for social housing providers and others on time and on budget in locations throughout the north is reflected by us securing another valued contract with Together Housing.”