BUILDING work is progressing well on a £28million scheme to create 161 new low carbon homes for rent at two former school sites in Birchwood and Great Sankey.
The two new developments are being built on the former Foxwood Special School site in Birchwood, and the former Sycamore Lane Community Primary School site in Great Sankey.
Oxspring Crescent, in Great Sankey has 92 houses and apartments – with 28 of these affordable – in a mix of one- and two-bed apartments and two- and three-bed townhouses. Medina Close, in Birchwood has 69 houses and apartments – with 21 of these affordable – in a mix of one- and two-bed apartments and two- and three-bed townhouses.
Both developments are now approximately half-way through their build programme, with the first phase of houses due to be handed over at Oxspring Crescent in January 2022 and at Medina Close in February 2022. The apartments are due for completion around June 2022.
The schemes are being developed by Incrementum Housing Development Company Ltd and will be managed by Incrementum Housing Management Company Ltd. These are commercial enterprise companies that were set up, and are owned by, the Council to generate income and deliver hundreds of new, fair rent homes over the coming years.
Deputy Leader, Cathy Mitchell, and Cabinet Member for Housing, Cllr Hitesh Patel, visited both sites to see the progress for themselves.
They were able to see the properties taking shape, with the high specification builds including fitted carpets and vinyl flooring throughout and kitchens equipped with energy efficient integrated appliances. Energy will be supplied via a communal ground source heat pump system and roof-mounted solar panels will contribute electricity to households.
Cllr Cathy Mitchell said: “I was delighted to have the opportunity to see the progress being made on these two fantastic schemes. They will provide much-needed homes for local people, with the right mix of affordability, accessibility and sustainability.
“Through the Incrementum Housing Companies, we want to support Warrington’s ongoing growth by delivering the right types of homes to meet local demand. We are committed to providing a range of high quality, low carbon and low maintenance housing at a fair rent for everyone, irrespective of social or economic background or age.
“It’s great news that the first two schemes being developed by Incrementum are nearing completion. I’m looking forward to them to delivering a range of benefits to the community and the environment, and providing a high standard of living for local people.”
Cllr Hitesh Patel added: “It’s exciting to see the fantastic progress being made on these important schemes, which will deliver a range of positive outcomes for residents, the wider community and the environment.
“These developments have been specifically designed and planned to be energy-efficient and accessible for the mobility-impaired. And with both sites having homes available for private rent and private affordable rent, they will be available to a wide range of tenants. As such, they are an important part of our work to meet acknowledged accommodation needs that are not presently being met by the market.
With the Oxspring Crescent and Medina Close schemes both well on the way to completion, the Incrementum Housing website has now officially been launched. It provides a range of information about the company, its developments and available properties, as well as support and advice for tenants. Visit incrementumhousing.co.uk for more information
