Construction of new Widnes housing scheme commences on site

Almost 100 new homes in Widnes are on track after Prospect Homes started work on its Abbey Vale development, which was approved in July 2023.

The scheme will provide 99 homes ranging from two- to four-bedrooms houses, designed to suit the needs of local home buyers.

The 8.6-acre site, located off South Lane, was acquired from landowner Stephen Brookes. He said: “When we came to the decision to sell our home, we were approached by numerous house builders. Prospect stood out to us because of their ‘Homes for Good’ ethos and we liked the idea that profits from the sale of homes at Abbey Vale will be reinvested into social housing in the area.”

Michael Orgill, managing director of Prospect Homes, said: “It’s a real milestone moment for Prospect Homes to see work start on this site.

“It was also lovely to be joined by Stephen, whose family has lived at Abbey Farm since the 1860s.

“The new community that we are building is bringing much needed homes to the area and we’re pleased that we can deliver this.”

Prospect Homes, part of the Liverpool-based Riverside Group, will invest more than £600,000 into the local community as part of the development.

Michael added: “Widnes has been an area we have sought to build in for a while.

“The location of Abbey Vale with its lovely outlook, amenities and transport links, is going to be a really great place to call home.”

The site was identified in the Halton Delivery and Allocations Local Plan as land for residential development and the 99 homes will contribute towards the council’s target of delivering 8,050 homes by 2037.

The first homes at Abbey Vale are expected to be released for sale this summer, with show homes planned to open in the autumn.