240 affordable homes planned for six-storey development on former DW Sports site

PLANS for 240 affordable homes in two six-storey buildings on the site of the former DW Sports site in Warrington town centre have been submitted to the borough council.

The 100 per cent affordable housing is proposed for Academy Way, to the south east of the Time Square area will also include an amenity garden, cycle and bin storage and other associated works.

Habiko, the affordable homes partnership between Pension Insurance Corporation (PIC), Muse and Homes England, has submitted the proposals.
Owned by Warrington Borough Council, Academy Way has been identified as a strategic location for new affordable housing, benefiting from strong public transport links, walkable routes and proximity to a vibrant town centre. The proposals comprise two six-storey apartment buildings delivering 240 new 1- and 2-bed affordable apartments, arranged around a central landscaped courtyard for residents to enjoy.
The plans will provide low-energy, low-carbon homes for rent, close to shops, amenities and services that will support the growing neighbourhood. Designed by AHR Architects, with landscape design by Gillespies, the proposals have been shaped through recent community conversations to ensure they respond to local priorities and aspirations.
Launched in late 2024, Habiko focuses on delivering low-carbon, low-energy affordable homes for rent. The homes will be built across England in areas of high demand for this type of housing, in accessible locations close to employment opportunities and designed to help residents save money on their energy bills.

Joel Chandler, senior development manager at Muse, said: “We’re pleased to be bringing Academy Way forward as part of our commitment to delivering affordable, sustainable homes for rent where they’re needed most. The opportunity at Warrington will help address the growing demand for quality housing, and our team is focused on creating a development that not only meets this need but also makes a positive contribution to the local community and its future growth.”
The application marks the first Habiko scheme to be submitted for approval, kickstarting the partnership’s plans to develop a target of 3,000 affordable and sustainable homes across the country over the next 12 years.

Global interdisciplinary consultancy Stantec supported Habiko in preparing the application.
Greg Dickson, Stantec’s regional practice lead for planning in Northern England, said: “These plans are very much in line with our focus on delivering positive impacts for communities. We’re proud to have played a key role in shaping this sustainable, affordable, highly connected, and future-focused development, which will turn a derelict site into vibrant new homes.”
Academy Way, Warrington, will be a car-free development by virtue of the site’s sustainable town centre location. A separate application has been submitted by borough council for the demolition of an unoccupied retail unit currently on the site. The project seeks to help boost the local economy through job creation and new skills to support green innovation.