Construction starts on over-55s homes in Northwich

Work has started on an £11.8m retirement living development for over-55s in Northwich, Cheshire.

Built by Your Housing Group, Waters Cross consists of 70 one- and two-bedroom apartments, with 45 for shared ownership and 25 for outright sale.

Your Housing Group is working in partnership with Cheshire West and Chester Council, Public Sector Plc (PSP) and contractor Galliford Try Partnerships to deliver the scheme.

The four-storey building on Watling Street, just off Chester Road, is on the site of the former council offices.

Sitting alongside the River Dane in Northwich town centre, it is well placed to offer easy access to local shops and transport links.

The scheme will include on-site amenities including a bistro, and offer landscaped gardens, parking facilities to the rear and high-end finishes to each apartment.

Lorraine Donnelly, director of development for Your Housing Group, said: “It’s great to be able to secure this opportunity in such a fantastic location.

“We’re providing quality retirement apartments for over-55’s, including those wishing to downsize ahead of their future retirement.

“Just a stone’s throw from where the River Weaver and the River Dane meet, and close to a good selection of local shops and restaurants, this is a great place to retire to. We hope by providing retirement living accommodation in the area we can help free up much-needed family homes for local people.”

Cabinet member for regeneration and growth, Cllr Richard Beacham, said: “I am absolutely delighted that work is under way.

“This new development is the long-awaited first stage of the transformation of the area around Weaver Square. This is an important milestone in bringing more housing into the town centre to help support a thriving local economy.”

Brendan Blythe, regional managing director, Galliford Try Partnerships, said: “This is another milestone in the transformation of this site.

“Waters Cross will provide much-needed housing for older people whilst paving the way for the wider regeneration of the town centre. We are delighted to be working in partnership with Your Housing Group and Cheshire West and Chester Council to be a part of Northwich’s exciting future.”

The development is part-funded through a Strategic Partnership deal with Homes England.

Nick Cumberland, senior specialist, home ownership and supply, for Homes England, added: “It’s great to see Your Housing Group using their Strategic Partnership to help people over 55 access better homes in the areas where they’re most needed.

“We’re pleased to be supporting this new development which will offer people 55 years and over in Northwich purpose-built accommodation close to the heart of their community.”

The development is designed by Cheshire-based architects Pozzoni and is due to be completed by January 2021.