Contractor switch puts Rivington Chase affordable resi back on track

Caddick Construction will build 116 homes in Horwich for two housing associations, taking over the job from the now-bust Lane End Developments.

The 38 houses and 78 flats are being built for Bolton at Home and Irwell Valley Homes. All of the homes are available under either affordable rent or shared ownership.

The affordable housing initiative is part of the wider £262m Rivington Chase development, which will see the building of 1,700 homes on the former Horwich Loco Works site.

Lane End started on the site in 2022, however, the group entered administration the following year owing £13m.

Dave Saville, regional director at Caddick Construction North West, said the company was ready to restart the project.

“All projects, particularly those for new residential developments, require positive momentum for the benefit of all involved, from the community to the supply chain,” Saville said.

“We are honoured to have been appointed to take forward the development of Rivington Chase following the unfortunate setbacks to date. Our focus is now on getting work on site underway so that our clients’ ambitions of delivering quality homes for Bolton are back on course as soon as possible.”

In addition to the residential project at Rivington Chase, Caddick is also on site in Horwich delivering a health and wellbeing hub for United Healthcare Developments.

Andrea Swanwick, development director at Irwell Valley Homes, described the Rivington Chase project as “much-needed” in Horwich.

“The mix of tenures offers choice for local people, while the wider regeneration of the neighbourhood is already bringing benefits to the broader area,” she said. “We’re excited to begin on site and looking forward to seeing its transformation into a vibrant and sustainable community.”

Echoing Swanwick’s words, Bolton at Home group director of development and growth Dominic Conway said “The new affordable homes will be a real boost to the area as there is significant demand for affordable homes in Horwich and few become available for customers to express interest in.”

Rivington Chase marks the second time Caddick has worked with Bolton at Home – the two partnered together to deliver 62 extra care apartments and six bungalows in Little Lever.