Leigh scheme will extend construction group’s North West portfolio

Liverpool-based Crossfield Living, part of Crossfield Group, has been appointed to deliver Wigan Council’s flagship Railway Arches development.

The appointment will see the business expand its presence across the North West region.

Building work on the £4.5m housing project is set to begin in the Spring and will include the construction of 40 apartments at the former Railway Arches car park off Queen Street in Leigh town centre.

Planning permission for the development, which has been designed by AFL Architects, was granted in September 2020 and will also include residents’ parking, cycle storage and refuse facilities.

The project forms a major part of Crossfield Group’s regional growth plans, which will see the business expand in its core public and private sector markets, including education, housing, extra care, high rise residential and health facilities.

As part of its work in Leigh, Crossfield Living has developed a bespoke social value strategy in line with Greater Manchester Combined Authority’s Social Value Policy.

The strategy sets out ambitious targets to prioritise local employment and environmental sustainability.

The business has committed to using a wholly local supply chain, to create two employment opportunities per £1m spent, provide 30 apprenticeship weeks and deliver a series of mentoring opportunities for young people, among other commitments.

David Dobson, Crossfield Living director, said: “Investment in public sector development is, first and foremost, about value for money and this has never been more necessary than now.

“At Crossfield we believe in building better lives by building better environments and as a construction partner we place as much emphasis on investing in the local community as we do on our buildings. We’re very much looking forward to delivering a social value strategy that will significantly benefit local people and businesses at a time when they need it most.

“The development adds to Crossfield Living’s extensive project portfolio across the North West and will contribute to the continued regional growth and success of Crossfield Group.”

The Railway Arches development forms part of Wigan Council’s direct delivery affordable housing programme and is scheduled to complete in Summer 2022.

Crossfield Living is delivering a number of housing developments across the North West, including four schemes in Liverpool, Widnes, Cheshire and the Wirral on behalf of Onward Homes and Regenda Homes’ affordable housing development in Liverpool.

Crossfield Group also has a strong framework presence in the region, including Torus Housing Framework, the ICN Framework and the Procure Partnerships Framework.