Work starts on £5m Warrington rent to buy housing scheme

Ground has been broken on a site that will provide 29 rent to buy apartments in a £5.2m development.

Liverpool-based Livv Homes has commenced work on its first affordable housing scheme in Warrington, with its Parkside Place development on Wilderspool Causeway aimed at supporting local people onto the property ladder.

Located within a predominately residential area along Wilderspool Causeway, the five-storey contemporary apartment block will comprise 21 one-bedroom apartments and eight two-bedroom apartments.

There will also be 32 parking spaces, associated landscaping, cycle and refuse storage.

Livv has secured grant funding from Homes England to support the delivery of the scheme. North West construction company, PGS Projects, has been appointed principal contractor.

Yvonne Westhead-Fyles, director of development, growth and sales at Livv Housing Group, said: “We’re excited to be bringing Parkside Place to Warrington – our first development in the area.

“With house prices in Warrington averaging over £250,000 and the town experiencing significant population growth, many first time buyers are finding it difficult to get onto the property ladder.

“Parkside Place will bring high quality and affordable new homes to meet local housing need, enhancing the sustainability of the neighbourhood and community, whilst providing a pathway to home ownership through Rent to Buy.”

He added: “We’re aiming to provide 1,000 new homes over the next three years across the Liverpool City Region, Warrington and West Lancashire. We’re building in places where we can make the greatest impact and Parkside Place will contribute to creating a thriving community, whilst establishing our presence in Warrington.”

The scheme is utilising Modern Methods of Construction, such as structural insulated panels (SIPS).

Graeme Spencer, managing director at PGS, said: “Building new homes is essential to meet the growing demand for affordable housing in the UK and we are thrilled to be working with Livv on Parkside Place.

“At the heart of our new construction project is a commitment to sustainability. We are using the latest technology and materials to ensure that our homes are energy-efficient and environmentally friendly.”

Deputy leader and cabinet member for housing at Warrington Borough Council, Cllr Janet Henshaw, said: “It’s great news that work is under way on the Parkside Place development. It will provide much needed new housing and give local people increased opportunities to purchase their own home.

“I’m also pleased about the sustainable nature of the works, which will reduce waste and make construction more environmentally friendly.

“We are working closely with developers to support Warrington’s growth through the delivery of the right types of homes, in the right places, which meet local demand. Parkside Place – Livv’s first development in Warrington – is a fantastic example of this.”

Tom Hawley, head of affordable housing growth (North) at Homes England, said: “This is another great scheme that has been enabled via the Government’s Affordable Homes Programme with grant funding investment from Homes England to deliver new homes in Warrington.

“These rent to buy apartments are a great option for people and families who want somewhere to call home with the opportunity to buy in several years when they are ready to access a mortgage.”

Parkside Place on Wilderspool Causeway is due for completion this winter.