Bellway Homes has been given the green light by Bolton Council to deliver 205 new homes as part of the next phase of the £262m Rivington Chase regeneration scheme
The 205 new homes at the Rivington Chase scheme will be a mix of detached, semi-detached and mews housing.
The family properties will enhance the existing landscape features and commemorate the site’s heritage by regenerating the distinctive red brick appearance of the former Loco Works buildings.
As well as the new homes, the planning approval allows the construction of the new link road to be accelerated, with Bellway expected to begin construction of the northern section in early 2022.
The link road will connect the site to Middlebrook Retail Park, Horwich Parkway Railway Station and Junction 6 of the M61. This will improve access to the site and provide infrastructure to minimise congestion on roads.
These new homes will be placed next to the proposed Community Core and heritage parks to be provided at the heart of the Rivington Chase scheme, set to be developed by Bluemantle.
Heritage proposals for the landscaping of the Community and Heritage Core were submitted to Bolton Council earlier this month. The designs outline how key heritage artefacts from the former Loco Works can be incorporated into the series of pocket and memorial parks.
They will incorporate extensive open spaces that surround the properties, including cycle paths, footpaths, and green spaces for the enjoyment of residents.
‘An exciting and attractive place to live’
The Rivington Chase regeneration masterplan was granted outline permission in 2015 for 1,700 homes and associated educational, retail, leisure, health and wellbeing and open space on the former industrial site.
It is being undertaken by landowners Bluemantle alongside Bolton Council, Homes England, HKR, and Network Rail, with Apd as the architect behind the Bellway scheme, with Cass Associates as masterplan architect and Avison Young acting as planning advisor.
Phase one construction of the northern section of the link road, followed by the housebuilding will commence as works are expected to start in early 2022. The complete construction of the link road is due to be completed by March 2023 and all 205 homes by the spring of 2028.
George Stevenson, land director at Bellway, said: “We are extremely pleased that Bellway has been granted permission to execute this important next phase of the Rivington Chase development.
“We’ve worked hard to ensure the properties on site reflect its heritage, and with the link road providing key infrastructure to the neighbourhood, it truly makes Horwich an exciting and attractive place to live.
“The work on the link road is set to not only improve traffic flow across Horwich, but also provide spaces for the community to walk and cycle safely.”
Mark Caldwell, chief executive of Bluemantle, added: “Today marks another milestone towards the realisation of the Rivington Chase development, which will provide the community with enormous benefits.
“The project is turning brownfield that would otherwise remain unused and dilapidated into much needed family homes, all while preserving the industrial past of Horwich.
“We are looking forward to beginning construction at the start of 2022 and to seeing this exciting project take its next steps.”
Bolton Council’s executive cabinet member for regeneration, councillor Adele Warren, said: “This decision marks a significant step in the regeneration of the former Horwich Loco Works, which is key part of our plans to meet the demand for housing in Bolton.
“Not only does it allow for 205 new homes to be built on brownfield land, but it will see work start on the link road that will connect the new housing to vital transport infrastructure.”
