Plan for 240 “affordable” homes in town centre approved

PLANNERS have given the green light for 240 “affordable” homes in Warrington town centre on land owned by the Borough Council.

Habiko, the affordable homes partnership between Pension Insurance Corporation (PIC), Muse and Homes England, has received planning approval from Warrington Borough Council for its first 240 affordable homes. The new neighbourhood will bring 100% affordable housing at Academy Way, in the town centre, to the southeast of the Time Square district. All homes will be offered at least 20% below local market rent.

Owned by Warrington Borough Council, Academy Way is a strategic location for new affordable housing, benefiting from strong public transport links, walkable routes and proximity to a vibrant town centre. The approved homes comprise two six-storey 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 buildings respond to the surrounding area, defined by distinct brickwork and recessed panels to create texture. Full-height window bays create a visual connection to the landscaping and ensure that all residents benefit from ample natural daylight, with homes on the corner also providing inset balconies.
A combination of hard and soft landscaping – comprising a mixture of robust paving, cobbles and decking to accommodate street furniture, and colourful planting designed to create year-round greenery – is designed to bring accessible nature into the courtyard, as well as around the boundary of the buildings to soften the street edge.

Sarah Chicken, Senior Development Manager at Muse, said: “Habiko’s commitment to Academy Way will bring high-quality, affordable homes to Warrington in an area with growing demand. We’re pleased that we can create a neighbourhood that makes a positive contribution to the local community, bringing green space and a strong sense of place for residents to enjoy and feel connected to.”
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.
The application marks the first Habiko scheme to be approved, kickstarting the partnership’s plans to develop a target of 3,000 affordable and sustainable homes over the next 12 years.

Global interdisciplinary consultancy Stantec supported Habiko in preparing the application.
Habiko is a joint venture made up of three partners; Pension Insurance Corporation (PIC), Muse and Homes England. Habiko aims to deliver 3,000 affordable and sustainable homes for rent over the next 12 years, equating to around £1bn in terms of completed value.
Habiko is targeting up to 100% affordable homes for rent, with 75% as a minimum, for those whose needs are not met by the market, with rents set at 20% below the local market rent. Habiko will become self-funding over its 12-year lifespan and aims to diversify the supply chain for future efficient housing developments.
The homes will be built across England in areas of high demand for this type of housing. The developments aim to create social value for these communities, including boosting the local economy through job creation and new skills to drive green innovation. The homes will be in accessible locations, close to employment opportunities and be designed to help residents save money on their energy bills.