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Funding boost for Cheshire affordable housing scheme

A housing development has been given a £235,000 boost towards building affordable homes in Warrington.

Cheshire and Warrington Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) has announced the first investment project for the Growing Places fund with the money allocated to Square One Homes to deliver twelve housing units at Kingfisher Square at Manchester Road, Warrington.

The project aims to create affordable housing for first-time buyers and key workers in the area.

Christine Gaskell, chair of the Cheshire and Warrington LEP said: “The Growing Places Fund provides essential enabling infrastructure and we are pleased to announce the allocation of funds to bring forward residential development opportunities and unlock stalled developments.”

Louise Morrissey, chair of Growing Places Fund said: “This type of project is what the Growing Places fund is for, making it quicker for projects to get off the ground but also securing a return on that investment for the local area. The total fund available from government for Cheshire and Warrington was £13m.

“As we are awarding loans rather than grants we do have an investment fund at our disposal, and are open to further expressions of interest. There are no formal bidding rounds - the fund is always open.”

Mike Dowse, director of Square One Homes said: “This scheme has been “Designed for Living” and will offer homes for outright purchase from only £65,950. The scheme will be marketed through Meller Braggins in Stockton Heath, and constructed by Whitfield and Brown. We are delighted to have worked closely with the Cheshire and Warrington LEP and Warrington Borough Council in the delivery of this first scheme for Square One Homes.”

Councillor Terry O’Neill, Leader Warrington Borough Council said: “Repopulating our town centre and providing aspirational and affordable homes are key elements in our framework for growth, Warrington Means Business, and we are delighted that the LEP Growing Places fund has supported this innovative development’

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Simon Malia .