HCA secures final piece in Rivington Chase land plan
The Homes & Communities Agency has acquired a 27-acre site in Horwich from Armstrong Group, enabling the plot to be used for residential development as part of the £260m Rivington Chase masterplan.
The plot comprises part of the 187-acre former Horwich Loco Works, which is the subject of a redevelopment plan by Bluemantle and Orbit approved by Bolton Council in September.
The transformation includes the delivery of over 1,700 new homes alongside a new school and mix of other commercial uses.
Armstrong Group was operating a recycling centre from the site on Chorley New Road. The deal with the HCA will enable Armstrong to remain on the site for a period up to three years in order for the site to be cleared in preparation for redevelopment. Existing operations at the recycling plant have been wound down, and the jobs of 50 employees safeguarded.
Deborah McLaughlin, executive director North West for the HCA said: “We have been working closely over the last six months with both the landowner and the Council to build a strong relationship and agree a plan for the site. The site is a key component of the Rivington Chase masterplan and so it’s great news that we’ve been able to reach a deal to acquire it. Our acquisition will provide certainty for the wider redevelopment of the area and eventually see the delivery of over 400 new homes.”
The HCA will now work with all partners including Armstrong Group, Bolton Council, Horwich Vision, the joint venture between Bluemantle and Emerson Group and other land owners to bring the Rivington Chase development forward.
