Taylor Wimpey lined up for Bickershaw
HOUSEBUILDER Taylor Wimpey has been selected as the preferred bidder to redevelop a 44-acre former colliery site near Leigh.
The firm has been appointed by Wigan Council and the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) which owns the site at Bickershaw.
Outline planning approval has already been granted for a mixed-use scheme containing a 40-berth marina and up to 650 homes.
Taylor Wimpey is planning 474 homes as well as a community buildings, a cafe, retail units and the marina. It is expected to progress in several phases over an eight-year period with reserved matters planning consent anticipated for autumn 2013 and the completion of the first homes scheduled for early summer 2014.
Deborah McLaughlin, North West executive director of the HCA said: “Appointing a developer is a significant milestone for this major land development. This area is a former colliery site and has been a priority of the national coalfields programme for a period of time.
“I know that our chosen developer is keen to deliver a project which meets the needs and aspirations of local people, creating much needed affordable homes, leisure facilities and more. Not only will it impact on tourism, but it will create jobs for local people, improve the look of the area and bring disused land back to life.”
Anthony Mansfield, project director for Taylor Wimpey Manchester, said: “This new development will not only offer a range of private and affordable housing, but with the extensive commercial offerings including a family pub and community centre encompassing the Bickershaw site, we are creating an exemplary development which will bring long-lasting benefits to the wider community.”
The site, which was part of a portfolio of assets that recently transferred from the North West Development Agency, contains 44 acres of land that has already been decontaminated. Outline planning approval has also been granted for a mixed-use scheme containing a 40-berth marina and up to 650 homes.
