Lancashire housebuilder reveals HQ plans

Kingswood Homes has acquired a fire-damaged canalside pub, which it intends to demolish and replace with a 12,000 sq ft office building.

The former Grill & Grain, at the Boatyard near Hoghton, was ravaged by fire five years ago, and has been disposed of by brewer Thwaites.

Now Kingswood has submitted plans to demolish what remains of the building and replace it with a new building overlooking the Leeds & Liverpool Canal. The firm now directly employs 42 people.

Managing director Paul Jones said that although the firm is flexible on where people work, the company needs a solid base:

“While other businesses are perhaps closing offices or at least downsizing, it’s important for our business that as we grow, we have space where our staff can come together and collaborate as a team.”

He added: “We didn’t want to simply take on the lease of a bland business park building – we wanted a new headquarters that represents, encapsulates and celebrates our core values.

“The location of the former Grill and Grain is perfect for us as we have several sites within easy reach.”

The complex will also include the original annex building on the site, which will in time be used as a design studio. Plans also include a VR suite for potential homebuyers to use.

Kingswood expects to build 150+ homes in the year 2022-2023 and is targeting turnover of £40m.

The firm hopes to relocate in 2024. The company owns its current base in Little Hoole, which will be released for sale in mid-2023.

Kingswood Homes is currently building at Green Hills in Feniscowles and The Hawthorns in Elswick, Lancashire, and at The Market Quarter in Hatherleigh, Devon.

The company also has plans for 79 new homes in the Lancashire village of Hoddlesden.